Free Doors Open Days in Scottish Borders on 5–6 September

Doors Open Days 2026 will open buildings across the Scottish Borders on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, at various locations rather than one festival site. The programme is open to the general public, and all participating Borders venues are free to visit. Advance booking may still be required for some tours and locations.

According to Scottish Borders Council, this year’s programme has a particular focus on architect Peter Womersley and the modernist buildings he designed in the region. The full 2026 programme is now available from the council.

Three buildings introduce Peter Womersley’s Borders legacy

High Sunderland, Womersley’s woodland home for textile artists Bernat and Margaret Klein, is one of the principal attractions. The nearby Bernat Klein Studio and the cantilevered stand at Gala Fairydean Rovers’ Netherdale ground complete the programme’s trio of featured Womersley buildings.

Together, they provide a concentrated view of the architect’s work in the Scottish Borders. The council highlights their bold structures, framed views, expressive materials and connections with art and the surrounding landscape. For visitors more familiar with the region’s older buildings, the three venues offer a distinct route into its postwar architectural history.

New venues extend the weekend beyond modernism

The festival also includes buildings that illustrate how architecture in the region has continued to develop. Port House in Jedburgh, Gunsgreen House in Eyemouth and the Monteith Mausoleum near Lilliardsedge are among the new additions, alongside a wider mix of familiar and lesser-known properties.

Several projects recognised through the recent Scottish Borders Design Awards will participate as well. Their inclusion broadens the architectural picture with examples of new building, conservation, regeneration and creative reuse rather than limiting the weekend to one period or style.

Plan around individual venue details

Because Doors Open Days takes place across multiple locations, visitors will need to choose buildings and check their individual entry arrangements before travelling. The council announcement does not provide a single festival-wide opening time, individual venue addresses, transport guidance or accessibility information; those details should be checked in the full programme for each selected venue.

All participating Scottish Borders venues are free, but free entry does not necessarily mean visitors can arrive without planning. Before setting out on 5 or 6 September, check whether the chosen building or tour requires advance booking and confirm its own opening details and location.

Source: Scottish Borders Council News