The Leighton Library, the oldest purpose built independent library in Scotland is a Category A listed building, constructed in 1687 to house the book collection of Bishop Leighton, former Principal of Edinburgh University, Bishop of Dunblane and Archbishop of Glasgow (1611-1684). The oldest volume dates from 1504 and the collection is of international importance. The building and collection are owned by the Leighton Library Trust, a registered Scottish charity (SC003010).

Purportedly home to St. Blane, an early Celtic missionary in the 7th century, Dunblane was an important ecclesiastical centre from the 12th century to the Reformation. The Library is on The Cross, site of the burgh's market place, at the heart of the town, close to Dunblane Cathedral and Dunblane Museum.

The Library is one of a very small number of surviving independent libraries in Scotland which still holds its books in their original cabinets. The collection was added to in the 18th and 19th centuries and includes a number of historically important volumes. It retains original fixtures such as six 17th century book presses and six James VII and II chairs. The collection now contains 4,700 books in 90 languages printed between 1500 and 1840. Visitors can browse through some of the country's rarest books including a first edition of Sir Walter Scott's Lady of the Lake, Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations and Thomas Paine's Rights of Man.

The building exhibits rare architectural detail typical of 17th century construction. The facade is distinguished by a fine example of a 17th century marble cartouche thought to have been carved by a London workshop and ordered by William Drummond of Cromlix, first Viscount Strathallan, whose townhouse stood opposite the Library.

The fabric of the building was restored between October 2022 and April 2024.

Future survival, and the modernisation of the Undercroft

The Trust is now raising money for both these aspects. Having invested considerable funds in the restoration works, donations are sought for the future survival of the Library building. We also plan to modernise the ground floor 'Undercroft' (a vaulted space originally used as the Librarian's living quarters) into a unique and engaging space which can be used for community activities such as exhibitions, meetings and other promotional events.

The impact

The Library building and its contents are of significant historical importance. The Trust must ensure both the building and its contents are safeguarded for future generations and that the Library continues to contribute to the historic environment around The Cross.