Doors Open – a great result

Craigsbank was one of the buildings that flung its doors wide open on Doors Open Sunday this year. And the result was really very positive indeed. John Baker arranged the weekend’s activities and he was ably supported by a strong team of volunteers.

64 individuals visited the buildings over the weekend. Below are just a few of the comments received:

  • 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. Our visit has been well worthwhile.
  • Beautiful     Magical     Spiritual   Many thanks  Music
  • 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 it’s functional success.
  • Amazing architecture Thank you so much for your time and knowledge. This is a hidden gem.
  • Having been Christened here on 8 August 1943, I found my visit a quite moving and enjoyable event. (Also repeated his visit to deliver copies of the October 1943 and March 1959  Intimations and family contributions)
  • Very beautiful building, inside and out.
  • Great to visit again and enjoyed Tree’s piece! ( Composer) Compliments the perfectly-realised minimalism of the architecture perfectly !
  • 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.
  • Beautiful architectural lines. A hidden gem thanks to “Doors Open Day”
  • This church has the WOW! Factor from the moment you catch sight of it coming round the corner 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. So pleased to hear that it has been recognised as “A” listed. Thank you for opening up today.
  • We enjoyed the very warm welcome and were inspired by the beautiful airy space. The architecture is truly magnificent and is in great condition.
  • An amazing place- well hosted – such a great performance and what a hidden gem. Wonderful.
  • A wonderful display for a magnificent building! I appreciated the exhibits showing the construction of the complex. Great to see a hidden modernist gem in the City.
  • A truly striking building beautifully looked after. Marion and John were brilliantly knowledgeable.
  • A beautiful piece of Architecture. Really enjoyed talking to the volunteers and getting to experience the space and its wonderful light. Thank you

Doors Open Weekend

We are delighted to report that Craigsbank will once again be open to the public as part of Doors Open Weekend in September – 23 and 24 September. It would be really wonderful if we could all bring one person (or more!) along who doesn’t know the building.

The entire building will be open – sanctuary and halls – so that visitors can see how the site responded to the demands for more space.

Between 11.00 am and 2.00pm on Saturday 23rd September cellist Joanna Stark will give performances of a composition by Tree Burton, for Craigsbank Church. The piece, ‘Floating Sanctuary’ is informed by the architecture and design of the church and was first presented at Doors Open Day 2017.

Open-times:

10.00am – 3.00pm Saturday 23 September

1.00pm – 3.00pm Sunday 24 September

Doors Open Weekend

We are delighted to report that Craigsbank will once again be open to the public as part of Doors Open Weekend in September – 23 and 24 September. It would be really wonderful if we could all bring one person (or more!) along who doesn’t know the building.

The entire building will be open – sanctuary and halls – so that visitors can see how the site responded to the demands for more space.

Between 11.00 am and 2.00pm on Saturday 23rd September cellist Joanna Stark will give performances of a composition by Tree Burton, for Craigsbank Church. The piece, ‘Floating Sanctuary’ is informed by the architecture and design of the church and was first presented at Doors Open Day 2017.

Open-times:

10.00am – 3.00pm Saturday 23 September

1.00pm – 3.00pm Sunday 24 September

DOORS OPEN Weekend 2023

Bring someone to visit Craigsbank on Doors Open Weekend in September

We are delighted to report that Craigsbank will once again be open to the public as part of Doors Open Weekend in September – 23 and 24 September. It would be really wonderful if we could all bring one person (or more!) along who doesn’t know the building.

The entire building will be open – sanctuary and halls – so that visitors can see how the site responded to the demands for more space.

Between 11.00 am and 2.00pm on Saturday 23rd September cellist Joanna Stark will give performances of a composition by Tree Burton, for Craigsbank Church. The piece, ‘Floating Sanctuary’ is informed by the architecture and design of the church and was first presented at Doors Open Day 2017.

Open-times:

10.00am – 3.00pm Saturday 23 September

1.00pm – 3.00pm Sunday 24 September

Read more about Doors Open Day and our involvement here.

Craigsbank is much in demand from visitors with an interest in architecture.

The 20th Century Society visited Craigsbank Church on 4th June 23 as part of their Edinburgh ‘Sold Out’ Weekend. The Society has a passion for 20th Century Architecture, iconic buildings and design and arranges a range of visits, campaigns and seminars.

The visit to Craigsbank Church by 35 visitors as part of their Tour of Edinburgh’s 20th Century Architectural Highlights was really enjoyed and everyone appreciated experiencing the Sanctuary. During the visit comments were made about the quality of the Sanctuary space design and especially the daylighting, also admiring the building’s condition and potential for a range of activities.

One visitor, who had lived locally in his youth, clearly remembered being impressed and ‘spellbound’ by the changing daylighting patterns on the walls and thoroughly enjoyed returning to experience the space again.