Doors Open Days: Out of the Blue Drill Hall
On Saturday 28th September hourly tours will be running at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall from 11am until 1pm as part of Doors Open Days!
About Doors Open Days: Out of the Blue Drill Hall
Since 2004 Out of the Blue’s headquarters has been the Out of the Blue Drill Hall, a building of considerable historical and cultural significance to the Leith community.
The Drill Hall was built in 1901 for the Royal Scots Regiment, designed by the renowned architect Sir Rowand Anderson, who also designed the National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street and the McEwan Hall at Edinburgh University. Following Out of the Blue’s 2015 ‘Gretna 100’ project, which marked the centenary of the Gretna rail tragedy and its impact on the Leith community, the Out of the Blue Drill Hall was regraded from ‘B’ to ‘A’ listed. You can find out more about the ‘Gretna 100’ project here.
Careful, sustainable restoration and regeneration have transformed this former military building into participatory and inclusive art and cultural centre, with multiple artists’ studios, rehearsal, workshop and classes, performance, and exhibition spaces. The Drill Hall also has a well-reviewed cafe which is ‘the beating heart’ of the building and Leith.
Guided Tours
The Out of the Blue team will be running free guided tours on the hour from 11am until 1pm. There will be sign-up sheets available at the main entrance to the venue from 10am. Each tour will last around 30 minuts and will include a guided tour of the building as well visits to some of our artists in their studios. Details of working artists and makers taking part will be announced shortly.
Tour 1: 11am
Tour 2: 12noon
Tour 3: 1pm
Please arrive at least 10 mins before the start of the tour you’d like to go on to enter your details in the sign-up sheets.
The monthly Flea Market will also be taking place in the Main Hall and the Drill Hall Cafe will be open serving teas, coffees and delicious hot and cold snacks.
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
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Other Events at Out of the Blue Drill Hall or Doors Open Days
THE SMALL PRINT Exhibition
THE SMALL PRINT is a new exhibition by artist Kerry Simms featuring a series of work developed during her two-month residency in the Out of the Blueprint studio in Spring 2025.
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Out of the Blue Flea Market
Come along to Out of the Blue Drill Hall and find just what you never knew you needed as you browse 45+ stalls packed with pre-loved items!
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Riso Workshop
Join us at the Blueprint Studio for a fun, creative experience and discover how to make your own 2-colour A3 risograph prints!
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Active Inquiry presents The Manuscript
Following on from last year's hit Made to Connect, the Active Inquiry Flashback Theatre Company return to the Out of the Blue Drill in June with 'The Manuscript'.
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Introduction to Enamelling Workshop
Discover ways to apply colour and patterns to your metal using coloured enamels with Leith Jewellery Studios at Out of the Blue Drill Hall on 21st June.
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Sea Glass Stacking Ring Workshop
Learn to make a silver bezel to set some sea glass, pottery or ceramic on the full day workshop with Leith Jewellery Studios at Out of the Blue Drill Hall on 28th June.
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Gaza: A Story of Love and War
Join Firefly International for an unforgettable screening of Mike Joseph's empathetic and thought provoking film 'Gaza: A Story of Love and War' at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall on 30th June!
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Adult and Child Crochet Workshop
This workshop at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall is a great way for kids to get started with a creative and mindful hobby, crocheting!
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Drop Spindle Workshop
Learn how to spin your own artisan yarn using a drop spindle with The Colour Dasher on this fun workshop at Out of the Blue Drill Hall in July.
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MNB Proud All Year Round Craft Market
MNB are delighted to announce their very first ever PRIDE event; the 'Proud All Year Round Craft Market' at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall on Saturday 5th July!
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Odysseys Through The Storm
Catch this captivating exhibition showcasing the work of Art Psychotherapy graduates from Queen Margaret University at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall from 8th to 12th July!
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HelloArt Asian Market
Join HelloArt at Out of the Blue Drill Hall on Saturday 19th July for a vibrant Asian Market!
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Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra
Join Kuluna Yoga for two hours of deep rest and relaxation at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall on Saturday 19th July!
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All or Nothing Children’s Aerial Summer Camp
Join All or Nothing at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall for amazing aerial fun in the summer holidays!
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Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival
Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival is an annual event celebrating the city's architecture, culture, and heritage through a free programme of open buildings and events taking place in September!
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Doors Open Day at The Engine Shed
The Engine Shed is opening it's doors on 20th and 21st September as part of Doors Open Day 2025. Join us to discover what's inside and learn about it's history!
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Explorathon at Glasgow Doors Open Day
Dip into the fantastic research happening on your doorstep, with family-friendly activities and exhibits as part of the Scotland-wide Explorathon festival, in partnership with Glasgow Doors Open Days!
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Doors Open Days Stirling 2025
Scotland's annual Doors Open Days festival gives you free access to lots of fascinating buildings across Stirling!
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