Press Release
Opening Doors across Shetland
The line-up for this year’s Doors Open Day has just been announced, with another set of interesting and quirky locations on offer for the public to look around.
This year’s event features 13 locations, and runs over two days this weekend (17 and 18 September).
Council Planning Assistant Marjolein Robertson, who organises the event, said Doors Open Day always seemed to capture the Shetland public’s imagination.
“Maybe it’s getting to see around places that aren’t normally accessible to the public. When we’re choosing the locations, we’re always keen to get a good spread across as many areas of Shetland as possible. We also want to get types of buildings that people might find interesting for different reasons. I think we’ve achieved that again, with doors being opened from Unst to Sumburgh.”
A selection of fascinating and historic buildings are included in this year’s line-up. Belmont House in Unst is Shetland’s least altered classical Georgian mansion. In town there is the picturesque Lodberrie situated on Lerwick’s waterfront; a chance to learn about Shetland’s trading past whilst exploring an 18th century building. Further south is Shetland’s first lighthouse at Sumburgh Head, a complex of buildings dating from 1821, originally designed by Robert Stevenson.
“We’re also looking forward to the fact that Shetland Cheese in Skeld and Böd Ayre seaweed processors in Vidlin are taking part in the event this year for the first time,” Ms Robertson said.
The full list of buildings taking part is available on the posters and programmes advertising the event or at www.doorsopendays.org.uk. Planning Service staff are reminding people that bookings can be made by contacting them 01595 744800 (office hours) or e-mail heritage@shetland.gov.uk.