We toook part in Doors Open Day (organised Edinburgh wide by the Cockburn Association)for the first time on Saturday 28th September. Sacred Heart Church is, of course, fortunate that it is open always but this was an opportunity to welcome people in and show them round and tell them about the building, its features and, if they wanted to, the community that worships there.

We had people from all over Scotland as well as from Edinburgh. Common themes were "I've passed by for XXX years and thought I should see the inside" or "I've lived in the area for XXX years and din't know the church existed" or "I'd heard about the Sacred Heart but didn't know exactly where it was or if it was open on weekdays". Certainly, Sacred Heart is well hidden - recent demolition work in the surrounding area has revealed it but the new buildings are going up and soon it will be out of sight again.

We received 260 visitors and our team of guides were available to explain things to them. The work of the resoration of the stations of the cross was a major talking point, of course, but our display of vestments and vessels also created interest (our thanks to Edinburgh College of Art for the loan of the tailor's dummies). Those who were tired of all the walking were able to have a cup of tea in our hall before heading off to the next place on their list. In the morning we also had organ music.

Those who had seen the church some time ago commented on the change that the restoration of the Stations of the Cross had made to the internal appearance - 12 out of 14 have been done and, with the improved lighting installed a few years ago, the interior is light and airy.