This is a Scottish Episcopal Church which was built in 1818. It was not until the 1850s, however, that stained glass designs were incorporated into the windows, and this practice continued into the Twentieth century. In the mid-1980s all the glass was taken out, cleaned and repaired.

The church is a fine building and its stained glass is remarkable for the consistency of its design. Most of the windows were made in the studios of Ballantine and Allen of Edinburgh. Where the appearance of most churches has evolved over many centuries, St John the Evangelist offers a concentrated view of largely Nineteenth century Scottish style and design.

Church of St John the Evangelist, Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 4BJ. Most buses stop alongside the church, which is at the far end of Princes Street gardens.

www.stjohns-edinburgh.org.uk

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Doors Open Day, organised by the Cockburn Association (The Edinburgh Civic Trust) in partnership with Edinburgh World Heritage, has become one of the capital’s most popular days out.

It is your opportunity to see inside some of Edinburgh’s most architecturally, culturally and socially significant buildings. This year’s programme gives free access to over 70 buildings, ranging from historic landmarks to the most contemporary of designs – including many hidden gems.

Each venue has organised a range of free activities, designed to bring the history, design and the everyday use of the building to life – including behind the scenes tours, talks, exhibitions, musical recitals, demonstrations and re-enactments. There are also many activities for children.

Venues are throughout Edinburgh. Further details, including how to obtain this year's brochure, can be found from www.cockburnassociation.org.uk

You can also see pictures of some of the buildings taking part in this years event on: www.flickr.com/photos/doorsopenday/

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There's no better way to get a handle on Edinburgh's transformation in the late 18th century. Gladstone's Land shows how the old high-rises of the medieval city, where poor and rich lived in the same block, were gradually tarted up with drawing rooms. 7 Charlotte Square showcases the new suburbs that were the Georgian New Town - built, ultimately, with money from the Highland Clearances.

Gladstone's Lane on the Lawnmarket, near the Castle; 7 Charlotte Square at the west end of George Street.

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When this much public money has been spent on a building, you've a duty to visit it.

www.scottish.parliament.uk/vli/index.htm

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Maid of the Forth makes up to three trips to Inchcolm a day in the summer season, depending on tides. The trip takes three hours altogether. You pass under the Forth Rail bridge, see the islands in the Firth, and land on Inchcolm, an atmospheric island with a ruined Augustinian abbey and lots of sea-birds.

The ruins include some important rooms which survive nearly intact: an octagonal chapter house; a refectory with reading alcove (great acoustics in both); and the dormitory and calefactory.

www.dpro.co.uk/maid/index.shtml
www.cyberscotia.com/inchcolm/

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