The Dar al-Arqam mosque at the  Lauriston Place was built as a church, designed by Archibald Scott in Gothic style and completed in 1859 and originally used by the United Presbyterian Church.  It later became disused and was purchased by the Muslim community in 1980.  It was used primarily as a social club and suffered fire damage, but opened as a mosque 2012. It is named Dar al-Arqam, after the first building used by the early community of the Prophet Muhammad in Mecca as a place of teaching. Visitors will have the chance to see how the church has been converted into a mosque while maintaining the original beauty of the building.    Open: Saturday,  September 23, 1pm-4pmThe Dar al-Arqam mosque at the  Lauriston Place was built as a church, designed by Archibald Scott in Gothic style and completed in 1859 and originally used by the United Presbyterian Church.  It later became disused and was purchased by the Muslim community in 1980.  It was used primarily as a social club and suffered fire damage, but opened as a mosque 2012. It is named Dar al-Arqam, after the first building used by the early community of the Prophet Muhammad in Mecca as a place of teaching. Visitors will have the chance to see how the church has been converted into a mosque while maintaining the original beauty of the building.    Open: Saturday,  September 23, 1pm-4pm
The Dar al-Arqam mosque at the Lauriston Place was built as a church, designed by Archibald Scott in Gothic style and completed in 1859 and originally used by the United Presbyterian Church. It later became disused and was purchased by the Muslim community in 1980. It was used primarily as a social club and suffered fire damage, but opened as a mosque 2012. It is named Dar al-Arqam, after the first building used by the early community of the Prophet Muhammad in Mecca as a place of teaching. Visitors will have the chance to see how the church has been converted into a mosque while maintaining the original beauty of the building. Open: Saturday, September 23, 1pm-4pm

Edinburgh Doors Open Days 2023: Another 25 places to see behind the scenes, from mosques to bus garage

Discover the secrets of cemeteries, courts, fire engines, school, theatre, churches, data, chess and more

It’s the annual chance to get a glimpse behind the scenes at a wide variety of buildings, from courts to theatres to mosques. Scores of places across Edinburgh are taking part in Doors Open Days next weekend, September 23-24, allowing people a sneak view of what is normally hidden from public sight.

One of the most popular Doors Open Day venues is always Lothian Buses’ Annandale Street garage, where people can have a nostalgic close-up look at some vintage buses and kids can enjoy a bus wash tour. And not far away, there are old fire engines to be admired at the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage, run by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and attached to the McDonald Road community fire station.

Other places ready to share their secrets include Edinburgh University’s Bayes Centre, where top artificial intelligence experts are helping to shape the future; the Mansfield Traquair Centre, nicknamed Edinburgh’s Sistine Chapel; Leith Theatre, which is being restored to its full glory; and the Freemasons’ Hall in George Street.

For some of the venues, visitors must book in advance, often using Eventbrite. Some are open both Saturday and Sunday, others just on one of the days. All Doors Open Days events and activities are free.

We have already featured a range of the places taking part in the weekend. Here’s a look at some more of the buildings with fascinating stories to tell.

Other places ready to share their secrets include Edinburgh University’s Bayes Centre, where top artificial intelligence experts are helping to shape the future; the Mansfield Traquair Centre, nicknamed Edinburgh’s Sistine Chapel; Leith Theatre, which is being restored to its full glory; and the Freemasons’ Hall in George Street.