THE ENGINE SHED in Stirling once again opened its doors to the public recently.

The work-in-progress Historic Environment Scotland project was a big hit during Doors Open Days with around 1500 people taking a sneak-peek.

People had the opportunity to gain insight into what will be on offer when the building fully opens to the public next year.

Activities during the weekend-long event included hands-on stonemasonry, soap carving, stained glass workshops and even the opportunity to try VR headsets.

Dorothy Hoskins, technical outreach and education manager at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “This was our third year of taking part in Stirling’s Doors Open Days and it has proven to be our biggest and best yet.

“It’s fantastic that around 1,500 people turned out at the Engine Shed over the course of the weekend, making it our best Doors Open Days event on record.

“As well as discovering more about the important building conservation work that we carry out, visitors also had the opportunity to try new activities and traditional skills for themselves.

“This event was a great way to introduce and engage people with Scotland’s built heritage in a new and exciting way, providing a real insight of what’s to come when we open our doors to the public next year.”

When it opens in spring 2017, the new centre will create and deliver education resources and training on traditional buildings skills and materials for those in the industry as well as a fun and inspiring space for schools, local people and visitors to get involved with building conservation through activities, exhibitions and a jam-packed events programme.