Our Doors are Open – come take a glimpse inside

This weekend, 28 and 29 September 2024, is the annual Edinburgh Doors Open Festival and the team at Craigsbank is throwing open the doors of this very special building to the interested public for tours of the building.

Join us between 10am and 3pm on Saturday or between 12noon and 3pm on Sunday.
We can’t wait to show you round.

Go to the Doors Open festival site for more details.

Craigsbank sanctuary is an uplifting, striking, place of peace representing the innovative designs of the 1960s. Together with the older halls, the complete set of buildings represent the ongoing responses to the local community’s ‘Living History’ from the original Church Planting in 1937, then the post-war developments and finally in 1966 the unique Sanctuary designed with references to local worshipping communities from the 17th Century.

Since we first participated in Doors Open Days, almost 600 festival visitors have enjoyed our buildings and events. This year, we will be open on both days and offer musical and artistic events, exhibitions, guided tours and refreshments. The theme is Routes, Networks and Connections. Do encourage neighbours and friends to come and discover what is behind our doors.

‘Doors Open Days is Scotland’s largest free festival, celebrating places and stories, both new and old. Last year, over 100 venues opened their doors to the public, celebrating the rich history and vibrant culture that defines our remarkable region’

Here’s a tiny taste of what visitors had to say last year…

  • Fantastic experience. Wonderful building: everyone so friendly and helpful.
  • Thanks for taking part in Doors Open Day – loved the building and music
  • So impressed! This “hidden gem” is amazing. Intriguing architecture. Even more I admire the way you form and run your church community.
  • A delightful space, we really enjoyed our visit. First seen from the top deck of the Glasgow bus.
  • Beautiful…Magical…Spiritual
  • It was a thrill to find such a beautiful modernist building in a part of Edinburgh we did not know. The quality of light and the serenity of the building make it very special apart from its functional success.
  • Having been Christened here on 8 August 1943 I found my visit a quite moving and enjoyable event
  • Very beautiful building, inside and out.
  • What a joy it is to have discovered this incredible place.
  • The nicest church I have visited in a long time. Architecturally stunning and a surprisingly warm and inviting space. A reflection of the congregation, no doubt.
  • This church has the WOW! factor from the moment you catch sight of it and on entering – so unexpected to see the configuration which is so dramatic and inspiring. A wonderful space for worship – what a lucky congregation you are to have this gem.