September 2025
Doors Open Days is an annual Scotland-wide initiative providing free access to buildings not normally open to the public. It is intended to promote architecture and heritage sites to a wider audience. It provides an opportunity to discover hidden architectural gems and to see behind doors that are rarely open to the public.
In 2025 Doors Open Days in Aberdeen were on 6 and 7 September. A group of members of the Royal Photographic Society from north east Scotland photographed in four participating buildings:
- Kirk of St Nicholas
- Central Library
- Freemasons Hall
- Quaker Meeting House
Kirk of St Nicholas
The original church, known as 'The Mither Kirk' dated from 1151, was one of the largest medieval churches in Scotland and one of the most historically important buildings in Aberdeen.With some surviving elements from the late 12th century in the transepts and central crossing, it has been gradually altered through the centuries to become a large, prominent feature in the city landscape.
Central Library
Opened in 1892, Central Library is the headquarters for library services within Aberdeen City.The building is also home to the Lending Library, the Media Centre, the Information Centre and the Central Children's Library. It is one of a group of three adjacent civic buildings - the other two being St Mark's Church and His Majesty'sTheatre - together known as "Education, Salvation and Damnation."
Freemasons Hall
Freemasons Hall, formally known as the Masonic Temple, in Crown Street Aberdeen, is not only the pride of the Masonic Fraternity in the city but is considered to be among the finest, purpose built building devoted entirely to Freemasonry within the Scottish Constitution.
Quaker Meeting House
The Meeting House is one of only two purpose-built Quaker Meeting Houses in Scotland still in use. It was opened 1903. Designed specifically for Quaker meetings, the absence of ornateness reflects the simplicity which is one of the Quaker testimonies –how they try to lead their lives.
