Leighton Library

Beside Dunblane Cathedral, Leighton Library is Scotland’s oldest purpose-built private library, now preserved as a museum of books. Its collection includes more than 4,000 volumes, printed from the 16th to the 19th century, with books in many languages and subjects ranging from theology to medicine and law. Ask a volunteer about viewing historic books and maps, including a first edition of Sir Walter Scott’s Lady of the Lake. Entry is free, and donations help support the library’s upkeep.

A library founded by Robert Leighton

The library began with the collection of Robert Leighton, a 17th-century bishop of Dunblane who later became archbishop of Glasgow. He left around 1,400 books for clergy to use and provided funds for a building to house them.

The library is no longer a lending library. It is now a museum where visitors can see its collection and learn about its history. The building dates to the late 17th century and is next to Dunblane Cathedral.

Books, maps and rare editions

The collection has grown to more than 4,000 books, with works printed between the 16th and 19th centuries. Its subjects include theology, medicine, law and classical literature, and the books span many languages. Historic maps are also among the material on view.

One notable work is a first edition of Sir Walter Scott’s Lady of the Lake. Ask a volunteer about the books on display and whether there are particular volumes you can see. The library’s old bindings and paper give the rooms the character of a working collection preserved across centuries.