Broughty Castle Museum part of winter Open Doors programme

Broughty Castle Museum is one of dozens of venues across the area taking part in the programme, including libraries and sports facilities. (Sandy Gerrard/Geograph)

Agencies across the city council area have been working on the Open Doors programme, with dozens of different community spaces and activities included so far.

An online map has also been created to allow citizens to find out what’s happening in their local neighbourhoods.

Venues taking part in the programme include churches and community centres, libraries and sports venues. A number of community groups are also taking part.

Councillor John Alexander, Dundee Partnership chairperson and co-chairperson of the Dundee Fairness Leadership Panel, said: “I’m really proud of how organisations across the city have come together to create this programme of winter activity.

“Of course, there are always groups meeting and activities happening in our communities, but this year we wanted to have a real focus on ensuring people have plenty of things to do and places to go.

“People should always be able to get advice and information, to get a tea or coffee and be part of their local community.”

Faith in Community Dundee director Jacky Close said: “After two winters of Covid, it’s good to see warm welcoming friendly spaces opening up in local communities where folks can take part in activities, meet new people, connect with their friends, or just have a quiet space to have a cuppa and read a paper.”

Community Regeneration Forums from across Dundee have allocated around £43,000 from the Dundee Partnership’s Community Regeneration Fund to support activities.

Activities on offer range from living room activities (such as board games, jigsaws and a cuppa on the couch) and sit-down meals to craft groups, sports sessions and much more. All are free or low-cost.

Leisure & Culture Dundee is extending a warm welcome to everyone at venues at the heart of city communities. These include Central Library and 13 libraries across the city, The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum, Mills Observatory and Broughty Castle Museum, where visitors are encouraged to stay as long as they wish during opening hours, as well as sports and leisure facilities that offer activities that are free or low cost.

Moira Methven, chair of Leisure & Culture Dundee, said: "We look forward to giving everyone who visits us over the winter period a warm welcome and access to fun and engaging activities for all ages. Our venues are easily accessible and ideal for anyone who wants to drop in and learn more about what we offer."