The Leighton Library is the oldest private library in Scotland, dating from 1687. It was built for the 1,500 books of Robert Leighton, Bishop of Dunblane (1661-1670). The number of books has now grown to 4,500, covering a wide range of topics printed from 1504-1840.  At least 80 languages have been identified. The catalogue of contents is now available to academics and researchers through arrangement with Stirling University

The library is open to the general public from the beginning of May until the end of September as follows:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11am - 1pm and other times by arrangement with Tho. & J W Barty tel: 01786 822296. For 2010 the first day open will be Saturday 1st May.  In addition the library is regularly included in Stirling Council Doors Open Weekends in September each year.

Additional Volunteers - Additional assistance is required for the 2010 session.  Volunteers, working in pairs, usually do a two hour stint either weekly or fortnightly. A brief induction training session is held prior to beginning.

If you are interested please click on the link below to Graeme Young.

2011 - Robert Leighton was born in 1611 with the consequence that 2011 will represent the 400th anniversary of his birth. A number of events are planned to mark that occasion.

Firstly, Dr Alastair Mann, Stirling University, has agreed to give a lecture on Leighton in March 2011.

Secondly, it is intended to produce a calendar to commemorate the event and that these would be on sale from summer 2010.

Thirdly, plans are being made to restore the plaque and coat of arms on the front wall of the library.

Further details of these events will be published on this site.

For more information about the Leighton Library click here to contact Graeme Young, Custodian or click here to contact Colin Campbell, Trustee, to whom comments can also be made about the content on this page.

The Leighton Trustees are currently arranging to have an independent website created for the Library, details of which will be posted here.  Additional information on the Library will also appear on this page in the near future.