September 2008
Tuesday 9th
Saturday 13th
9:00am
Doors Open Days
Hamilton Mausoleum Mote Hill , Hamilton
The Mausoleum was built at a cost of about ?33,000 (c.?1.2m today) for Alexander, 10th Duke of Hamilton (1767-1852) as a chapel and family tomb. The first funeral service held there, Alexander's own, was marred by the long echo, now one of the Mausoleum's best loved features. David Hamilton (1768-1843) began work on the Mausoleum in 1840, but did not live to see it completed.
David Bryce (1803-1876) and Alexander Handyside Richie completed the work between 1848 and 1858 after Duke Alexander's death. This Roman style structure is described as "an extraordinary work of architectural sculpture rather than a building".
Doors Open Day free guided tours will be available on: Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September (CALL 01698 328232 FOR TOUR TIMES).
Unfortunately the Mausoleum is not suitable for disabled visitors.
WC, parking and cafe all at Low Parks Museum. To check out times and locations South Lanarkshire’s Doors Open Days Programme
10:00am
Doors Open Days
Hyndford Mills Excavation ML11
Disused derelict water mill site owned by Mr Jim Orr, Charleston Parks Farm, Lanark. (Not on the historical record). Clydesdale Mills Society formed early in 2007 to explore the history of the site by the study of archive records and excavation.
OS maps indicate the site was disused in 1896 but prior to that there was substantial industrial activity using water wheels for power for Grain Mills, Lint milling and grinding of bones to produce fertiliser. Various ancillary activities also occurred.
A display of finds is in Lanark Museum now, open Fridays and Saturdays 10.30am to 4.30pm until the end of September 2008. Members of the Clydesdale Mills Society will be on-site to answer questions. The site is open air so please wear suitable clothing and footwear.
Due to the nature of the site, there is no disabled access. To check out the times and locations South Lanarkshire’s Doors Open Days Programme
10:00am
Doors Open Days
Leadhills Village Hall Leadhills, ML12 6YP
It is likely that Leadhills did not exist until the early 16C when the village developed as a result of the discovery of rich mineral deposits in the area. It is rumoured that the Romans were the first to utilise the mineral deposits however the earliest recorded mining took place in the 13C.
Gold from Leadhills was of national importance and was used to form the Regalia of Scotland, which is now held for public viewing in Edinburgh Castle. It was lead mining, however, that brought the area its prosperity and gave the village its name. Tea, coffee and homebaking available. To find futher information on Doors Open Days South Lanarkshire’s Doors Open Days Programme
10:00am
Doors Open Days
Low Parks Museum 129 Muir Street, Hamilton, ML3 6BJ
The Museum incorporates structures from the 17th to the 21st centuries and two grade A listed buildings. This, the oldest surviving building within Hamilton Burgh's former boundaries was originally a dwelling in the 1690s. You can view one of the earliest sash windows in Scotland. Later additions include a Georgian Assembly Room (1780s) now restored, and an 1830s riding school.Trace the building's fascinating story as well as a wealth of exhibits on the story of South Lanarkshire and its people and industries, together with The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) Regimental display.
Don't miss the two excellent temporary exhibitions - "Finishing Touches" - an exploration of costume accessories from the last 200 years, and 'At East' - an insight into the Cameronian army away from the battlefield. To find out about other Door Open Days events in South Lanarkshire South Lanarkshire’s Doors Open Days Programme
10:00am
Doors Open Days
The National Museum of Rural Life Kittochside, East Kilbride, G76 9HR
In 1992 the National Trust for Scotland was gifted the farm of Wester Kittochside, East Kilbride by Mrs Margaret Reid. Her late husband James was the last of 10 generations to own and farm this land.
In partnership with the National Museums of Scotland this farm was developed into the National Museum of Rural Life. The exciting museum includes the restored farm steading and Georgian farm house, 110 acre historic working farm and an exhbibition building designed by Park & Park Architects. The building includes 3 permanent galleries, open collections storage and a shop and cafe. For other Doors Open Days information South Lanarkshire’s Doors Open Days Programme
10:00am
Doors Open Days
Airdrie Observatory Airdrie Library, Wellwynd, Airdrie, ML6 0AG
This C(s) listed building, situated above Airdrie Library in Wellwynd is one of only two public observatories in the UK. The Observatory is owned by North Lanarkshire Council and operated by the Airdrie branch of the Association in Scotland To Research into Astronautics (ASTRA). The original telescope was donated to Airdrie Library by local astronomer Doctor Reid. The Observatory also has a number of smaller telescopes which can be used for dark sky sites for observation sessions. There will be a presenation at 13.00 given by ASTRA. To check out the times for the observatory and other event in your area check out North Lanarkshire’s Doors Open Days Programme
10:00am
Doors Open Days
Belshill Fire Station Old Edinburgh Road, Bellshill, ML4 3JG
A rare chance to sit in a real fire engine and take a tour of the station. Community safety advice will be provided as well as tea and coffee. Please note that this is a working fire station and fire engines may be unavailable at times. To check out the times for this venue check out North Lanarkshire’s Doors Open Days Programme
10:00am
Doors Open Days
Lanarkshire Central Mosque Clydesdale Street, Mossend, ML4 2RS
Lanarkshire Muslim Welfare Society was established through the efforts of fife local businessmen in 1980. In 1997 the Society located a site and started taking donations for the construction of a new Mosque. After 8 years the Mosque opened in 2005 at a cost of over ?2 million.
Please note that no alcohol will be permitted within the Mosque and visitors who are under the influence of alcohol will not be admitted.
A conservative dress code should be observed within the Mosque.
As the Muslim religious observance of Ramadan will be taking place during September, there will be no refreshments available.
Shoes must be removed prior to entering Mosque.
For further times and dates for this venue check out North Lanarkshire’s Doors Open Days Programme
10:00am
Doors Open Days
Motherwell Heritage Centre 1 High Road, Motherwell, ML1 3HU
The four-star visitor attraction opened in 1996 and is a striking example of modern architecture by Andrew Merrylees, Grierson and Robertson. It is home to award winning Technopolis, an audio-visual display on the life and times of Mothewell from Roman times to present day. There is also a family history room and viewing tower, looking out over the Clyde Valley. For further times and dates please check out North Lanarkshire’s Doors Open Days Programme
10:30am
Doors Open Days
Bent Cemetery Bent Road, Hamilton
Bent Cemetery is the last resting place of Lord Hamilton (d 1479); the 1st Marquess of Hamilton and the 8th, 9th and 10th Dukes of Hamilton and their families. Other notable occupants include entertainer Sir Harry Lauder and footballer Dave Cooper. For information on more Doors Open Days events South Lanarkshire’s Doors Open Days Programme
10:30am
Doors Open Days
Brownsbank Cottage Candymill, Biggar, ML12 6QY
Overlooking the Peebleshire hills close to Biggar, Brownsbank Cottage was the home of poet and writer Hugh MacDiarmid (Christopher Murray Grieve, 1892-1978), and his wife Valda. Brownsbank was purchased by Biggar Museum Trust in the early 1990s. The original interior was restored just as MacDiarmid had left it, and contains numerous portraits and photographs, and a unique collection of memorabilia. The cottage is now home of the writer-in-residence.Poetry readings, live background music, tours and book sales throughout the day. Times may vary to check out South Lanarkshire’s Doors Open Days Programme before you plan your day
10:30am
Doors Open Days
Douglas Heritage Museum Santa Sophia Chapel, Bell's Wynd, Douglas, ML11 0QH
The Museum building, originally the Dover House of Douglas Castle, is situated adjacent to the ancient St Brides Church. It houses six stained glass windows depicting coats of arms of the Douglas Earls. Exhibitions are changed annually to show the various aspects of village life, Douglas families and Cameronian Regiment. Times may vary so check out South Lanarkshire’s Doors Open Days Programme for further information
10:30am
Doors Open Days
East Kilbride Old Parish Church The Village, East Kilbride, G74 4AN
This category B-listed Church was built in 1776 by James Pollock (with additions in 1818 by Robert Pollock and 1862 W Pomphrey). The original Church cost ?570 and was modeled on Shettleston Parish Kirk. In 1818, the decision was made to add a steeple and Robert Pollock was paid ?250 for completing the crown spire. This is an unusual and highly distinctive feature for a parish church; the most famous example of this type is St Giles High Kirk in Edinburgh.
To the rear of the Church is the kirkyard (also B-listed) where notable gravestones include the parents of William and John Hunter, the famous surgeons from Calderwood, East Kilbride and Rev. James French, minister of the Old Parish Church between 1791 and 1835, who was also tutor to the young Walter Scott. Visitors will be able to view the new mural that has been recently painted in the church. Tours of the church and kirkyard graves offered throughtout the day. Sunday service at 11am. To check out times for the tours South Lanarkshire’s Doors Open Days Programme
10:30am
Doors Open Days
Hamilton Fire Station Bothwell Road, Hamilton, ML3 0EA
The Fire Station building in Bothwell Road is the headquarters of the Strathclyde Fire Brigade - one of the most innovative fire brigades in the whole of Europe. Strathclyde Fire and Rescue is also one of the biggest in Europe. Situated in the west of Scotland in the UK, its geographical area covers almost 14,000 square kilometers (about 5,500 square miles). The area includes 31 inhabited islands and has a coastline longer than that of France. Almost 2.3 million people live in over 930,000 households in the area, ranging from remote crofts and hamlets to Scotland's biggest city, Glasgow.A 'Community Safety Classroom', chip pan fire demonstrations and the Fire Investigation Unit. To check on times and further information South Lanarkshire’s Doors Open Days Programme
10:30am
Doors Open Days
Hamilton Old Parish Church Leechlee Road, Hamilton, ML3 6AQ
This A-listed church was built between 1729- 1732 and is notable as William Adam's only church design. The architectural links to Chatelherault can be seen in the details of windows and stonework. The steeple and font were added in 1748. The church sits within a listed churchyard containing the Netherton Cross and a Covenanters' memorial built into the east wall.Tours throughout the day. Refreshments available Saturday untill 12 noon. For more information on this event and others in your area South Lanarkshire’s Doors Open Days Programme
10:30am
Doors Open Days
Hamilton Sheriff Court Beckford Street, Hamilton, ML3 0BT
This landmark category B listed building is of mid-19C Classical design with Ionic porticos towards Almada and Beckford Streets.Unassisted wheeelchair access Assistance for visitors with sight or hearing difficulties. For more information on this and other events in your area South Lanarkshire’s Doors Open Days Programme
10:30am
Doors Open Days
Leadhills & Wanlockhead Steam RailwayStation Road, Leadhills
Britain?s highest adhesion railway, reaching 1498 feet above sea level, the railway was originally built in 1900 for the Caledonian Railway Company for transporting refined lead to the central belt of Scotland. The lead mines closed in the late 1930?s, bus passenger traffic continued until the end of 1938.
The Leadhills and Wanlockhead Railway Society was formed in 1983 to construct and operate a 2ft gauge tourist railway between the two villages on the old standard gauge track bed. A limited service began in 1988 and it has now reached the border where South Lanarkshire meets Dumfries and Galloway. Negotiations are presently underway to extend the track into Wanlockhead. For further information on this and other events in your area South Lanarkshire’s Doors Open Days Programme
10:30am
Doors Open Days
The Scottish Flying Club, Stathaven Airfield, Stathaven, ML10 6RQ
Strathaven is the third oldest airfield in the West of Scotland mainland - the other two being Prestick and Glasgow Airports. It was founded by The Scottish Flying Club in the early 1950s after a decade of searching for a site to replace their former base at Glasgow?s Abbotsinsch Airport. Gp Cpt George Pinkerton, chairman of the Scottish Flying Club when it bought Couplaw farm in the 1950s, was the pilot who shot down the first German aircraft over British soil in WW2. He was still chairman in the 1970s when the airfield was given to the RAF Benevolent Fund so it ?would continue to be used for flying?. This is probably why many people think it is an ex-wartime airfield. Flying clubs based at Strathaven over the years include the West of Scotland Flying Club, Glasgow and Strathclyde University Gliding Club, the Rutherglen Flying Group and the Strathclyde Gliding Club. The airfield was sold by the RAF Benevolent Fund in 2005 to microlight aircraft instructor Colin MacKinnon, whose Microlight Scotland flying school had been based at Cumbernauld Airport. The airfield is now back in the hands of the revived Scottish Flying Club and is being completely refurbished. The airfield consists of a 560m long grass runway and two 250m crosswind runways. There is a small model aircraft runway at the far end of the field. The club house has just been extensively refurbished and work is continuing around the field with plans to build a large, new hanger. Hanger tours every half hour from 10.30 (each tour lasts approx. 30 minutes). For further information on the tours and other events taking place South Lanarkshire’s Doors Open Days Programme
10:30am
Doors Open Days
Tower of Hallbar Braidwood Road, Crossford, Carluke
A Scheduled Ancient Monument and category A listed building, Hallbar is a fine example of a fortified tower house which was built during the 14th-15th century by the Lockharts of the Lee, to provide their household and surrounding population refuge when under attack.
The walls on average are 1.60m thick and are built of sandstone and rubble with squared quoins (corners) and dressings. It rises four storeys to a 19C battlement parapet.
The Tower was last occupied in 1984 after which it was subject to repeated vandalism, the ravages of frost damage and weathering, which, led to the Tower becoming semi-ruinous.
The Vivat Trust (a historic building preservation trust) agreed in 1998 to a full repairing lease for Hallbar and since then has carried out a programme of repairs and converted the property for use as holiday accommodation for up to seven people. Situated immediately off the road between Crossford and Braidwood (B7056) the building has restricted parking, and is on 5 separate floors. To check out the details of this and other events in your area South Lanarkshire’s Doors Open Days Programme
