Funday Sunday 22nd Sept begins at 11am with Pipers, Drummers and Dancers from the Queen Victoria School performing for us.  This will be followed by a short speech and, of course, the cutting of a cake!  We’ll offer tours of the Centre and there’ll be lots to see and do.  You’ll have the chance to treat yourself at a variety of stalls, including food outlets, before the day concludes at 3pm.

Scotland’s oldest purpose-built library will be among the attractions featured in this year’s Doors Open Days Festival as Stirling continues to celebrate its 900^th anniversary.

Leighton Library, Scotland’s oldest purpose built library, based in Dunblane, will feature in the programme following a two-year restoration project which was completed earlier this year.  Other Dunblane buildings featured include Creative Dunblane and the Bank.

Stirling’s Doors Open Days festival will take place on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 September - 2024 marks the 30th year of Doors Open Days, a free, family-friendly festival that sees organisations and volunteers offer free access to sites and events across Scotland.

The library, completed in 1687, was commissioned following the death of Robert Leighton, the former Bishop of Dunblane and Archbishop of Glasgow in 1684. This followed instructions left in his will to house his personal collection of an estimated 1,400 books, left to Dunblane Cathedral.

Many important books from the Scottish Enlightenment were added to the collection by Trustees in the years that followed as the library remained in use until the mid-19^th century. It was brought back into use in 1990 after extensive renovations.

Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Margaret Brisley said: “Few visitors to Andy Murray’s gold post box in Dunblane would know that the oldest purpose-built library in Scotland is just across the road.

“Some remarkable original features of the 336-year-old building were uncovered during its recent restoration and it will be a fascinating for people to step inside Leighton Library during this year’s festival.

“Entry to the library is part of our exciting programme of events for this year for Doors Open Days which also includes access to Stirling Sheriff Court, Bannockburn House and Mugdock Castle.

“Stirling is home to a wealth of historical gems and it’s fitting that we are celebrating our built heritage during our 900^th anniversary.

“Many of the historic buildings opening their doors to the public have stood here for a significant amount of this time. It’s humbling to imagine how life for communities has changed during this time and how it will continue to change in generations to come.

“The history of Scotland as a nation is intimately connected with the history of Stirling and Doors Open Days offers a unique opportunity for residents and visitors alike to step into the past.”

Over the last two years, repair works were carried out to Leighton Library’s walls, roof, stonework and chimneys to help ensure that the 17^th century building’s collection of rare and antique books can continue to be kept in their original location.

During the restoration, original and unique features to the building, previously not visible to the public were revealed, including a fireplace and press, still with its original lime plaster.

Alastair MacDonald, Restoration Lead for the Leighton Library, said: “We knew there was work to be done, but once started, it quickly became apparent the building was in a critical condition. The project almost doubled in cost and time required.

“Fortunately, we were supported by a magnificent legacy and significant grant funding from Historic Environment Scotland, as well as highly skilled professionals, who have restored this lovely building to the wonderful condition it is now in. This restoration work has now safeguarded the collection and the building for many years to come.”

Doors Open Days, through support by Stirling Council, aims to ensure that Scotland’s built and cultural heritage is made accessible to everyone living in and visiting the country.

It is also part of part of European Heritage Days, held every September as thousands of sites and monuments across the continent open their doors to the public.

Director of Scottish Civic Trust, Doors Open Days national coordinator, Joe Traynor, said: “Doors Open Days offers visitors the opportunity to play ‘tourist’ in their own town for free, as they uncover new experiences and revisit old favourites right on their doorstep. This year, we hope our visitors take this opportunity to make new memories with their friends and families, while they celebrate the stories that have shaped Scotland.’’

Find out more about the events and activities that will be on in September as part of Stirling Doors Open Days by visiting www.doorsopendays.org.uk.

ENDS

Notes for editors:

For further information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01786 233016

Attached image (credit: Malcolm Wilson) shows the Leighton Library in Dunblane

About Stirling Council

Stirling Council serves more than 94,000 residents and a thriving business community in an  area that stretches from the scenic Campsie Fells to the vibrant city of Stirling and the outstanding natural landscape of the Trossachs. Stirling is steeped in history and will celebrate its 900th anniversary as a Royal Burgh in 2024. The nation’s most cherished landmarks are found here, including the National Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle, making Stirling alive with history and culture while a growing modern artistic scene nurtures new creative talent.

Equidistant to both Glasgow and Edinburgh, Stirling is ideally situated for business as well as a place to live, work, study and visit. Stirling has a strong reputation as a business and investment location and hosts some of the UK and Europe’s most innovative science and technology businesses, including Codebase, the UK’s largest Technology Incubator.

Stirling Council’s vision is to be a responsive local authority that works positively with employees, partners and communities to deliver on key priorities and ensure the best possible outcomes for everyone who lives in the Stirling area.

About Doors Open Days

Doors Open Days is Scotland’s largest free festival that celebrates Scotland's places, history and culture, new and old. 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 more information about Doors Open Days: www.doorsopendays.org.uk.

About Scottish Civic Trust

Scottish Civic Trust’s mission is to celebrate Scotland’s built environment, take action for its improvement and empower its communities. Founded in 1967, the Civic Trust supports people to connect with their built heritage and take a leading role in guiding its development. In its infancy, it successfully campaigned for the restoration of Edinburgh’s New Town and was instrumental in the revitalisation of New Lanark – both now part of Scotland’s network of six World Heritage Sites. In addition to these major milestones, Scottish Civic Trust was also the first to bring Doors Open Day to the UK, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019. For more information about the Scottish Civic Trust: www.scottishcivictrust.org.uk.