Leighton Library

Leighton Library sits in a two-story stone building with an external staircase leading to the main collection on the first floor. The structure contains rooms filled with shelves of older books, and its lower level originally functioned as living quarters for the first librarian.

Archbishop Robert Leighton gave roughly 1500 books to Dunblane Cathedral in 1684, prompting the construction of this building completed in 1687. The collection was maintained and gradually expanded with additional works to serve scholars and those seeking knowledge.

The collection reflects the learning interests of past centuries, bringing together works on theology, medicine, and travel that show how knowledge moved across different societies. Books in dozens of languages reveal the international reach of scholarship during earlier times.

Plan a visit for the weekend, as the building has limited opening hours and groups should arrange their visit in advance. Access is by way of the external staircase, and visitors should expect the conditions typical of an older structure.

The building preserves a rare feature: its lower level was originally set up as private living space for the librarian rather than public area. This arrangement shows how closely the care of the collection was tied to the daily life of its keeper.