Doors Open Days

Doors Open Days is Scotland’s largest free festival that celebrates places and stories, new and old. It takes place each year in September across Scotland as part of European Heritage Days.

Events are free and take place in person or online. More information is available on the Doors Open Days website.

We act as regional co-ordinator for the Scottish Borders. We co-ordinate local events which are delivered by a range of partner organisations and individuals.

The festival presents a great opportunity to explore places that are usually closed to the public, and to discover more about local history, architecture and places on your doorstep. It is also an opportunity for groups and venues to share their story, engage with local communities and promote what they do.

Take Part in Doors Open Days 2023: Living Heritage

Doors Open Days will take place across the Scottish Borders and online on 2 and 3 September 2023.

The theme for this year’s festival is Living Heritage. This celebrates the traditions, knowledge and skills which connect our past to our future.

For the Scottish Borders this includes the region’s famous textile, salmon and farming industries, the area’s many Festivals and Common Ridings, the technology, craft and construction skills used to care for our places and for our future, and much more.

A guide to hosting an event is available on the Doors Open Days website. This sets out the benefits of taking part and some ideas for digital and in person events. All events must:

• be free
• take place on 2 or 3 September (or both)
• offer something that isn’t normally available for free

If you’re interested in hosting an event, please email heritage@scotborders.gov.uk for more information and to receive a registration form.

The deadline for submissions is 31 May 2023.