Leighton Library
6 minute walk from Dunblane station · Stirling, Central and Fife · Free entry
The Leighton Library in Dunblane is Scotland’s oldest purpose-built library and one of its earliest public-subscription institutions. Founded in 1687, this Category A listed building was originally constructed to house the personal book collection of Archbishop Robert Leighton.
It is a site of significant history, containing around 4,500 volumes and 78 manuscripts dating from the 16th to 19th centuries. Notable treasures include a 1504 copy of Herbert's Exquisitio and Walton's Polyglot Bible. The library has survived centuries of change, including a period as an air-raid shelter during World War II.
Visitors can explore the unique two-storey building, entering via a stone staircase. Inside the wood-lined apartment, you will find sixteen bookcases lining the walls and low presses standing in the center of the room, all illuminated by three historic windows.
Visitor information
- Place type
- Library
- Good for
- Architecture, Literature & writers, Local & social history, Museums
- Characteristics
- Listed, Nationally significant
- Admission
- Free
- Access
- Not step-free
- Region
- Stirling, Central and Fife
Stations within walking distance
- Dunblane station — 6 min walk, 0.4 km
Other places near Dunblane
- Dunblane to Ashfield riverside walk, Dunblane — 4 min walk from the station
- Dunblane Museum — 6 min walk from the station
- Dunblane Cathedral — 7 min walk from the station
- Dunblane New Golf Club — 8 min walk from the station
- Lecropt Kirk Parish Church — 39 min walk from the station