On the day the theatre was filled with a range of stalls hosted by heritage and history organisations for visitors to seek advice, to delve into Glasgow’s history and to learn about how to become involved in Scotland’s rich heritage.

This was a FREE event designed to spark interest in Glasgow’s history, buildings and traditional skills. Some stalls also provided career advice for those wishing to get into heritage, history, traditional skills or related careers. There was something for everyone including badge making, genealogy, zine making and advice for your tenement.

For participants wanting to get some hands-on experience, they could try slating with the Scottish Traditional Skills Forum and interactive demonstrations in sign writing and stone carving with City of Glasgow College.

Tobian Forster Associate Dean, Built Environment at Glasgow City College said that ‘We are delighted to be attending and supporting the WestFest traditional skills event on the 17th June. The restoration and ongoing maintenance of Cottiers represents both an important community project as well as a great opportunity for our students to benefit from the experience of a live restoration across a number of disciplines.’

In the evening. on the 17th June, we had a set of engaging talks by Fergus Sutherland and Max Donnelly on the architect William Leiper and Daniel Cottier at Cottiers Theatre.

On the 20th June we held a series of talk about Scotland’s stained glass at the museum with Professor Robin Webster and Dr Karen Mailley. The event allowed participants to get up close to the Alf Websters windows and hear about the conservation work being carried out as part of the ‘Accessing Websters Project’ which is generously funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Glasgow City Heritage and The Architectural Heritage Fund.

Over the the three events, we had over 250 people through the door to engage with Glasgow’s rich history and heritage.

Building on this success, we will be holding more events in September as part of Doors Open Day!