Tales of witch trials and bodysnatchers will mix with a rare opportunity to explore some of the most fascinating buildings in Perth and Kinross this weekend.
The latest Doors Open Days takes place across the region on Saturday and Sunday.
The event offers the chance to visit and explore more than 50 buildings that are either usually closed to the public or, if they are open, to find out more about what goes on within.
Many come with tales and legends some of them ghoulish and grisly.
This year’s programme includes castles and cathedrals, a prison, a temple and even a recycling site, together with museums and hidden ecclesiastical gems. There are five towers to climb among them the Kirkgate Watchtower at Kinross, which sits adjacent to the town’s old burial ground.
Constructed on the site of an earlier building in 1852, it may once have served to guard against the resurrection men, who robbed graves to make money by selling their exhumed treasure to members of the medical profession.
Highlights include the opportunity for a tour around HMP Castle Huntly, by Longforgan, and family-friendly screenings at the renovated and award-winning Birks Cinema in Aberfeldy.
There are more unusual opportunities, too, with a guided tour of the waste recovery facilities at Binn Farm in Glenfarg and the chance to see a private collection of vintage vehicles near Coupar Angus.
Firm favourites return, with tours around Perth Community Fire Station, the impressive Masonic Temple in the city’s Atholl Crescent, and Tullibole Castle near Crook of Devon, where an infamous series of witch trials once took place.
A witches’ maze has been created within the grounds to act as a memorial to those women who were condemned as practitioners of black magic.
Organisers have also linked up with the Tay Landscape Partnership’s Fruit Festival to stage fruity activities at Megginch Castle Orchard and Glendoick Nurseries.
All the opportunities are free and at many buildings there will be additional events organised, including guided tours, music, poetry and activities for children.
Programmes with more details of the buildings taking part and what will be on offer are available from libraries across the region or from Perth Museum and Art Gallery.
They can also be downloaded from Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust’s website at www.pkht.org.uk.
A number of the events will require advance booking and places can be secured on a first come, first served basis.
For further information about Doors Open Day events in Perth and Kinross, contact the Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust on 01738 477080 or email info@pkht.org.uk.