Madelvic House
The doors of Madelvic House in Granton will be open on 27 September 2025 from 10am until 2pm with an exciting programme of events to entertain people who have never visited the building associated with Edinburgh’s motor history – former home of Madelvic Motor Carriage Company, and later United Wire. Look out for the red Transport Wheel when you visit.
- There is an exhibition of work by Claire Vaughan (1974-2024)
- Take a heritage walk to Granton Square and the Harbour with Kenneth Williamson 11am to 12.30pm – block booking is a must
- Archive will be open for all visitors to have a look at.
Adam Smith’s Panmure House
This is one place which you absolutely cannot visit except on special occasions and it is worth including on your Doors Open Days itinerary.
It is open on both Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 3pm. Panmure House is the final remaining home of Adam Smith, philosopher and ‘father of modern economics.’
Originally built in 1691, Smith occupied the House between 1778 and 1790, during which time he completed the final editions of his master works: The Theory of Moral Sentiments and The Wealth of Nations. Other great luminaries and thinkers of the Scottish Enlightenment visited Smith regularly at the House across this period. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the building’s rich architectural history and learn how the House was carefully restored to its original structure, preserving as much of its authentic design as possible.
Lothian at Marine Depot
Lothian’s Doors Open Day takes place on Saturday 27 September 2025, and for the second year in a row it will be held at the company’s Marine depot at 18 Seafield Road East, EH15 1EB.
Running from 11.00am – 3.00pm, visitors can see behind the scenes at operations in the busy garage, and enjoy a wide range of family friendly activities, with something for everyone including:
Vintage bus display courtesy of the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum.
Face painting and glitter tattoos from Stina Sparkles.
Stallholders including Edinburgh Zoo, Age Scotland, Lothian Retail Stall, Andy’s Man Club, and Bus Users Scotland.
Lothian’s Training School Team with driver training buses.
Bus display including Lothian, East Coast Buses, Lothian Country, Eve Coaches, Lothian Motorcoaches, Edinburgh Bus Tours, and Lothian support vehicle.
The chance to have a go on an e-cargo bike, courtesy of Porty Community Energy (18+ only).
A team from ZF (provider of products and systems for vehicles).
Family activities including inflatables, games and more.
Representatives from the armed forces.
A team from Police Scotland with police vehicle.
Burgers, hot dogs, soft drinks, teas and coffees, all provided by Lothian’s own in-house catering team.
More information visit Lothian Doors Open Day 2025.
Abbey Strand Centre
This is a favourite place to visit – particularly the Physic Garden which is a haven of peace right in the middle of the city.
The historic building was renovated in 2021 and is available as holiday apartments. The garden had particular attention from the then Prince of Wales.
Read about the garden and its starring role on Beechgrove Garden earlier this year in our article here.
Read more about Doors Open Day at Abbey Strand here
East Lothian
If venturing out of town is more your thing then in East Lothian there are several options to choose from – some of which are accessible by public transport.
- Newhailes House & Gardens National Trust for Scotland
- Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery
- St Mary’s Parish Church Haddington
- National Museum of Flight
- Prestongrange Museum
- Amisfield Walled Garden
