Doors Open Day 2013

The reason we all love Doors Open Day is so we can see places we could not otherwise see - those not open to the public.

It was our pleasure today to attend a guided tour of St Andrew's House, the seat of Scottish government. Where Civil Servants conduct their business the general public never see.

Built in Art Deco style on the site of the Calton Jail the staff moved in the day after war was declared in 1939 and it was never formally opened; the ceremonial key rests unused in a glazed cabinet. Also unused is this roof garden, which was never completed and even now the staff are unable to avail themselves of the space as the parapet is deemed too low for current safety standards.

Although photographs were not allowed inside, I was permitted to take the views through the window: this is looking east, of Arthur's seat and Salisbury Crags.