HISTORIC Borders locations are set to feature in Scotland’s biggest free festival next week.

Doors Open Day is a free, nationwide festival which highlights Scotland’s history and culture.

In 2020 the festival was held virtually, however, this year it will be available as an in-person and online event over the weekend of September 4-5.

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Councillor Simon Mountford, executive member for enhancing the built environment and natural heritage, said: “Doors Open Day is a chance to showcase some of the places and stories that have shaped the Scottish Borders. Now that many of the COVID-19 restrictions have eased, we’re eager to reconnect with our communities and share all that the Borders has to offer.”

Local sites which are included in this year’s festival include Tim Stead’s sculptural house near Lauder, Gala Fairydean Rovers' football stand, Jedburgh Port House, and the Borders Distillery in Hawick.

The Borders Distillery will be offering free tours, which would normally cost £15, and Scottish Borders Council is arranging a series of online presentations on the history and future restoration of the Gala Fairydean stand which is a “Category A listed concrete modernist classic” by Peter Womersley.

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And visitors to Tim Stead’s former home will be given a tour of the late sculptor’s house by his wife Maggy with an additional presentation from Giles Sutherland (arts correspondent for The Times) who will explain the importance of Stead’s work.

Other events include:

Hawick - Exploring the Town’s Heritage

Hawick - Heart of Hawick Waterwheel - basement tour

Hawick Museum Digital Exhibition - Ancient Egypt Discovery

Jedburgh - Mary Queen of Scots House Visitor Centre – Creative Craft Workshops and video tour

Jedburgh - Newgate Steeple & Old Bridewell Jail - video tour

For more information, visit: www.doorsopendays.org.uk