Wednesday August 20th 2025
Modelmaker Norman Glover, Councillor Colin Cassidy, Secretary of Thistle Modelmakers Steve Benjamin with Midlothian Doors Open Days organiser Sheena Devlin and modelmaker Gavin Hamilton, both seated.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Thistle Modelmakers will be taking guests on railway journeys across the world as part of Doors Open Days in September.
The modelmakers, who design and make exhibition layouts, will throw open the doors of their unit in Mayfield Industrial Estate on Saturday 13 September and Sunday 14 September.
It is one of 17 Midlothian venues taking part in Scotland’s largest free festival celebrating the nation’s places, history and culture, new and old.
Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Tourism Councillor Colin Cassidy visited Thistle Modelmakers to see some of the layouts from across the globe.
He said: “It feels like a magical journey you can make without leaving Midlothian. The attention to detail in the models, the scenery and technical expertise is incredible – definitely well worth a visit.”
Joining Thistle Modelmakers this year are, among others, MMC Bonnyrigg Mosque, the Palladian style manor house Arniston House and Dalkeith Community Fire Station.
Councillor Cassidy said: “It’s so much more than a great day out. A total of 96% of those who took part in the Scotland-wide event last year reported it improved their wellbeing and it is estimated to generate more than £2.3 million in visitor spending nationally.”
Secretary of Thistle Modelmakers Steve Benjamin, who is pictured with local Doors Open Day organiser Sheena Devlin, Cllr Cassidy, and club members Norman Glover and Gavin Hamilton, said: “This is the seventh year we’ve taken part in Doors Open Days. We really enjoy it – around 100 people can come through the doors in a day. Some visitors have model railways of their own and didn’t know we existed, others are families who have children fascinated by trains. Our membership is growing, especially from new members in the local area and we always welcome new ones.”
Each September, the festival offers access to over a thousand sites and events across Scotland. The aim of Doors Open Days is to ensure that Scotland’s built and cultural heritage is made accessible to people living in and visiting the country. Doors Open Days is supported by Historic Environment Scotland and is part of European Heritage Days.
For the full Midlothian programme click here.
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