West Dunbartonshire Council has launched a public consultation into major plans to transform Dumbarton's Glencairn House into a state of the art library and museum, and make the existing library a public archive.

Residents are being invited to have their say on the ambitious proposal which would see the historic High Street building redeveloped, with the addition of a four-storey glass extension to the rear providing stunning views over the River Leven and Dumbarton Castle.

The library floors would include dedicated spaces for children and families, computer use, quiet study and recreation and offer an extensive selection of fiction and non-fiction materials in a variety of formats. Physical access would also be improved with a level entrance from the High Street and an internal lift to each floor. Meeting and event spaces would be available for community use.


The museum would include an entire floor dedicated to local history, incorporating exhibition space, complemented by displays of artefacts on all floors of the building.

The current Dumbarton Library building would be transformed into a community collections store and archive, open to the public, enabling access to objects and documents in West Dunbartonshire's heritage collections for the first time.

As well as the opportunity to contribute online, residents can also give their view in person at drop in events on 10 June at the Council's Church Street office between 1pm and 3pm, 12 June at Glencairn House between 9.30am and 12.30pm and the same day at the Concord Centre between 5.30pm and 8.30pm.

Councillor Iain McLaren, Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, said: "The proposal would see Dumbarton's oldest building brought back into use as a library and museum, increasing accessibility and footfall, and offering the opportunity to highlight the history and heritage of the area. It's important that as many people as possible give their views on what is proposed and I would encourage residents and community groups to ensure they take part in the consultation."

Vice-Convener Councillor Marie McNair added: "We are committed to engaging with our communities and ensuring that their views are reflected when making decisions on major projects such as this. The idea of a museum to highlight the history and heritage of Dumbarton and surrounding areas is something which people have been supportive of in the past. We are now keen to hear what our residents think of this proposal."

The consultation will remain open until midnight on Sunday, 16 June.