Verdant Works - not the standard factory tour, but a chance to get personal with some of the historical artefacts and hear about how they acquire these. Like a lot of Dundonians there's the personal connection with the mills and facinating to hear it's the everyday stuff such as the weavers' aprons that are so rare - they only have one of these most common items. Were also treated to some of the Discovery collection too and it was wonderful to actually touch things like the billy cans used on the expedition. We also got to handle (with the white cotton gloves provided) the photo albums detailing the building and launch. Never knew that all these photos have now been digitalised and are freely available on the Dundee Heritage Trust website: www.dhtcollections.com.
Central Mosque - Dundee's first purpose-built mosque that I've driven passed and wondered whether it was like the touristy versions in holiday destinations, but never a 'workaday' version. Of course, it is - why wouldn't it be, only less pretty! The imans took time to explain and demonstrate what they do, aiming to dispel the some of the myths about Islam. A very friendly experience, that was a bit spoiled by an evangelical young guy as we were leaving - not necessarily trying to convert, but still too full on for the kind of day it was.
Morgan Academy - I was never a pupil, but thought it would be interesting to see how they blended a new school behind the orginal facade. We were taken on a tour by one of the 6th year pupils, who was a credit to the school and very proud of it. It's certainly a far cry from the kind of large, formal classrooms of my day. I could almost imagine school being fun now!! The views from the tower over the Stobswell and Dens Road area were more than worth the climb up the spiral stair.Doors Open is a terrific experience. Everyone is sooo proud and enthusiastic about wanting to share their 'place' with the public it makes for a fascinating and different day out and I'm already looking for 2014.
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