Doors re-Open Day 2021
DOORS are reopening for this year’s annual Doors Open Days in Inverclyde.
The annual event, which encourages people to discover Inverclyde by visiting places and buildings of interest for free, went online last year due to the coronavirus pandemic but the easing of restrictions means in-person activities make a welcome return.
The local programme is organised by Inverclyde Council and also includes a variety of virtual tours and guided walks during the weekend of Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 September to ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Among the in-person events are tours of: the iconic, award-winning Wemyss Bay Railway Station; Greenock’s famous ‘Toon Kirk’, Wellpark Mid Kirk; Port Glasgow and Central libraries; and the recently-refurbished, council-owned Greenock Art Club located in Gourock Park.
Virtual events include a look behind the scenes of St Mary’s Catholic Church in Greenock, Old Gourock and Ashton Parish and Skelmorlie and Wemyss Bay Church.
A new addition to this year’s programme is walking tours of war graves at Greenock Cemetery – the largest war cemetery in Scotland – on Saturday 11 September led by the War Graves Commission, although places are very limited and must be booked in advance.
Provost Martin Brennan, who is also vice-convener of education and communities, said: “We have so much to offer so it’s fabulous that people can once again discover Inverclyde in-person thanks to Doors Open Days.
“It’s another packed programme of things to do and see in the flesh or online which means it caters for people of all ages and abilities.
“Best of all, Doors Open Days is completely free so I hope people take advantage and enjoy what is shaping up to be a brilliant weekend of events and activities.”
Places are limited on all walks and must be booked in advance.
To reserve a place and to find out more, visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk, and log on to www.discoverinverclyde.com for information about what else there is to do and see in Inverclyde.
In-person tours:
- Wemyss Bay Station. Must be booked.
- Libraries are open with activities in Central and Port Glasgow.
- Skelmorlie Bunker. Must be booked.
- Belville Community Gardens. Open for walks around, some activities must be booked.
- Greenock Art Club (located in Gourock Park).
- Wellpark Mid Kirk.
Virtual tours:
- St Mary’s Catholic Church.
- Old Gourock and Ashton.
- Skelmorlie and Wemyss Bay Church.
- Greenock Historic Quarter Created by Inverclyde Tourist Group via the PocketSights App. More information is available on the website.
- Family Trail. Aimed at primary school age. Created by the Inverclyde Heritage Network. A fun, fact-finding Family Trail around the exterior of the Municipal Buildings in Greenock. This free virtual tour can be followed while walking round or viewed online from home.
Walking tours:
- Greenock Cemetery walking tours coordinated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Various times on Saturday 11 September.
- Port Glasgow walking tour by Inverclyde Tourist Group. Saturday 11 September at 10.30am.
- Kilmacolm walking tour by Inverclyde Tourist Group. Saturday 11 September at 2pm.
- Gourock walking tour by Inverclyde Tourist Group. Sunday 12 September at 1pm.