Doors Open Days
Doors Open Days is Scotland’s largest free festival celebrating the built environment. Through providing free unique viewing opportunities to sites of historic, cultural, architectural and community interest, it aims to increase public appreciation and enjoyment of Scotland’s built heritage and promote inclusion in Scotland’s civic spaces and activities.
Doors Open Days Aberdeenshire 2026
Saturday 19th and Sunday 201th September 2026
Doors Open Days is returning to Aberdeenshire offering the public free access to a wide variety of buildings, heritage sites and behind‑the‑scenes locations across the region. Coordinated nationally by the Scottish Civic Trust and locally by the council's Historic Environment team, the event invites everyone to explore the places and stories that shape our communities.
The European Heritage Days theme for 2026 is Heritage at Risk. This theme shines a spotlight on the buildings, landscapes, traditions and skills that are vulnerable and the efforts being made to protect them for future generations.
Updates and further information will also be available on our Facebook page.
Get involved
We are inviting businesses, community groups, partner organisations and site owners across Aberdeenshire to take part in the 2026 programme. Suitable venues could include:
- Historic or architecturally interesting buildings
- Operational or industrial sites not normally open to the public
- Community‑run facilities with a heritage story
- Engineering, environmental or infrastructure sites
- Places undergoing repair, conservation or adaptation
- Private or third‑sector venues with cultural or local significance
You do not need to link directly to the annual theme to take part, all venues with an interesting story to share are welcome. Doors Open Days is a fantastic opportunity to:
- Welcome new visitors
- Raise awareness of your work
- Share local heritage and community stories
- Support education, engagement and pride of place
View further information about hosting the event.
If you would like to suggest a venue or find out more about taking part, please email doorsopen@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.