We’re pleased to announce that we are taking part in Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival again this year! 

Our building will be open: 

Friday 19th September 2025, 12:00 – 15:00

Saturday 20th September 2025, 10:00 – 15:00

The Merchants House is a monument to Glasgow’s global trading past and a testament to the city’s charitable spirit. How many times have you walked past the building and wondered what goes on inside? 

Join us for the chance to explore some of the rooms in this historic venue, including the Grand Hall, Directors Room and Lord Dean’s Room, as well as spotting some of our beautiful original features including stained glass windows, the marble stairwell and even a door from the first Merchants House which was located at the Briggait.

There will also be a talk by guest speaker Paul Noble each day:

David McHaffie (1755-1837)- An ordinary Glasgow Merchant? 

This talk will take us on a captivating journey into the life, loves and legacy of David McHaffie—a man who left his own mark on the city of Glasgow, one that even the most esteemed Lord Dean of Guild would have to look up to!

Paul explains “When I recovered a few discarded items from beneath the floorboards of my 1930s South Side bungalow, little did I know that it would lead me on a remarkable journey through time, connecting my house and the land it sits upon to individuals from centuries past. The land was once owned by David McHaffie (1755-1837), who in 1780, at the age of 25, purchased his Burgess & Guild Brethren ticket. Through him, his eldest and youngest sons later joined the ranks of the Merchants House in 1820 and 1831, respectively.

Whilst the walls of the Merchants House are adorned with the portraits of some exceptional Deans of Guild, great individuals whose achievements have been celebrated down through the generations, what do we know of their lesser burgess & guild brethren whose lives are not captured in the annals of history?”

Friday 19th and Saturday 20th September, 13:00. Whilst the talks are free to attend, tickets must be booked in advance. Please note that tickets will not be available on the door.

Friday 19th talk: Book here

Saturday 20th talk: Book here

The Lord Dean and Vice Dean will also be present and will be doing short talks on the history of the House.