Issued: 11 September 2002

Welcome as Angus Opens Its Doors

THIS year's Doors Open Day in Angus has something for everyone.

Angus Council is once again participating in the Europe-wide Doors Open Day which takes place over the weekend of 14 and 15 September.

This huge event involves the simultaneous opening of thousands of buildings in 46 countries across Europe.

This year the contrast between old and new is highlighted in the county.

For those interested in the very old, a visit to St Marnock's Church in Fowlis, which dates from 1453 and contains some rare pre-Reformation art work, should be on the itinerary.

Other old favourites from previous years feature in the 2002 programme. Balmashanner in Forfar always attracts large numbers of visitors, as does the Mortuary Chapel in Arbroath and both have been retained because of their popularity.

New this year is the fascinating Hospitalfield House in Arbroath which was originally founded in the mid-13th century as a plague and leprosy hospital.

This year some of the venues will be holding additional events for visitors.

At the refurbished Montrose Town House visitors will be able to see an art exhibition of old photographs of the burgh.

Sheriff Stein will give a talk on legal matters in the appropriate setting of Arbroath Sheriff Court and those who visit the Signal Tower Museum can view the Bell Rock Lighthouse through a powerful telescope.

A leaflet featuring information on each of the open buildings, with full details of tours, times, facilities etc, is available from all council offices and Tourist Information Offices in early summer.