THREE venues in Helensburgh and Lomond will be throwing open its doors to the public next month as part of the Scotland-wide Doors Open Days festival.

Arrochar Parish Church will be open to the public on Saturday, September 21 between 12pm and 4pm.

The venue will focus on the story of St Kessog who is closely associated with the area and is depicted on one of the stained glass windows in the church.

However, they are not the only church in Argyll and Bute to join in throughout the festival, as Rhu and Shandon Parish Church are opening their doors to the public.

The site has occupied a church since 1648, but the current (and third church built in 1851) was designed in a revival gothic style by William Spence. 

Throughout the years, a variety of modifications and extensions have been carried out, notably (in 1881) four clocks and chiming bells were added to the octagonal tower. These are still functioning today. 

Members of the congregation will be on hand to show visitors around the church and graveyard on Sunday, September 22 from 1-4pm.

And finally Jean's Bothy in Helensburgh will also be welcoming the public during the festival on Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22 from 11am-4pm.

Over the last six years, the facility have developed a number of creative and art based therapeutic groups aimed at improving the local community’s wellbeing.

These groups including art, diamond painting, sewing, crochet and crafts will demonstrate some of their skills to visitors and encourage them to give it a go!  

The exact details are still be decided but will involve some different weaving techniques, painting and simple craft type activities and will link in some way to our local community’s history.

For more information about each of these events visit the Argyll and Bute section of the Door Open Day Festival 2024 website at doorsopendays.org.uk