DOORS Open Days, Scotland’s largest free festival celebrating places and stories, new and old kicks off today Saturday September 2 and continues at many venues tomorrow.

Across the country, visitors will be welcomed to uncover hidden gems and experience familiar places through fresh eyes. Visitors can access a free programme of talks, walks and tours right on their doorstep.

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Doors Open Days 2023 promises an exciting programme of events and activities across the region, with events stretching the entirety of the Scottish Borders.

You can also experience the festival online, allowing visitors to discover more about building their own home, Trimontium Roman Fort or Scotland’s first Community Woodland.

Councillor Simon Mountford, Executive Member for Estate Management & Planning, said: “Doors Open Days festival is an exciting opportunity to discover more about the places and stories on our doorstep. The Scottish Borders has a rich and varied heritage, so it is great to be able to showcase this as a region.

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“Organisers have ensured there is an event for everyone so I would encourage anyone who can, to go along and support a fantastic festival. For those unable to visit in person, there is also the chance to go online and discover more from the comfort of your home.”

This year the festival has a particular focus on the region’s unique textile heritage, including your chance to take part in a textile workshop at ReTweed in Eyemouth.

Visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk to view the full regional and national programme, and to plan your visit.

Borders venues include: 161B Homebuilding Online Resource, Old Parish Church Hawick, Channelkirk Church, RETweed Eyemouth, ERIBE Knitwear Melrose, Scottish Public Pensions Building, Fallago Rig Wind Farm, St Mungo’s Church West Linton, Fogo Parish Church, Stow Station House, Grandstand Kelso Races, Stow Heritage Walk, Great Tapestry of Scotland (Certain events only NOT access to Tapestry), TD9 Radio, Hawick CARS Skills Demonstration, Tim Stead’s House, Hawick Library, Trimontium Roman Fort and Museum, Heriot Watt University Textile Collection, Lauder Church, Trinity Church Galashiels, Legerwood Kirk, Union Chain Bridge, Old Parish Church Galashiels and Volunteer Hall Duns.