Step inside some Moray gems on Doors Open Day

A DISTILLERY tour and a sneak peek behind the doors of some magnificent Moray country houses are some of the highlights of this year’s Moray Doors Open Day.

In celebration of architecture, culture and heritage many of Moray’s interesting and historic buildings will open their doors to welcome the public for free on Saturday 21 September.

This year the event includes BenRiach Distillery near Elgin, and five of Moray’s most interesting country houses: Darnaway Castle; Duffus House; Innes House; Newbold House and Dalvey House. There’s also a chance to walk around the enchanting walled gardens of Gordon Castle and to see the superb views from Covesea Lighthouse and Nelson’s Tower.

There will be plenty of activities for children, too. Earth Time will be providing outdoor activities for kids at Duffus House, and AJ Engineering of Forres will have STEM activities, a bouncy castle and BBQ to celebrate 30 years in business.

Convener of Moray Council, Cllr Shona Morrison, urged residents to make the most of opportunity.

“This is a fantastic chance to step inside some of Moray’s well-known buildings, but also see some hidden gems. It’ll be fascinating to see how the historic country houses are being used nowadays – from sustainable living at Newbold House to the wedding and corporate venue at Innes House, and the future plans for a café and tourist accommodation at Duffus House.”

Advanced booking is required for Covesea Lighthouse, Falconer Museum store and BenRiach Distillery. For details of all of the venues this year visit www.moray.gov.uk/doorsopenday2019 or follow Moray Doors Open Day on Facebook.

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live. Nestling between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands, Moray stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Brodie Castle in the west.