If you'd like to donate to the Leighton Library Restoration Appeal please click on this link to the Leighton Library Restoration Appeal JustGiving page

Summer 2024 - The Library reopened to visitors on 25 May 

From the start in January 2023, it was anticipated restoration work would take around six months. However, once the 1990s cement-based harling was removed, it became evident that the building was in much worse condition than we hoped, as the harling had trapped moisture within the walls. This more than doubled the time required and resulted in a significant rise in costs.

The work involved removing the existing modern cement based harling from all four walls, rebuilding the north chimney and repairing the bulging wall underneath it, repairing the south chimney, repairing the slate roof with matching old Scots tiles sourced locally, restoring the missing crowsteps on the south gable and generally repairing stone work, doors and windows. Our contractors did a wonderful job, carefully following conservation best practice.

On 8 April 2024, the book collection came back from storage. A dedicated team of volunteers evaluated every one of the 4,700 volumes for condition, cleaned them, checked them against the catalogue and photographed them all twice (cover and front page).

The exterior restoration has now been certified as effectively completed, with just the cartouche and lime harling remaining to be done. The building is now watertight, but needs to dry out before any lime harling can be applied. This may take up to two more years. Whilst the bare stone and new lime mortar look attractive, there is a planning requirement that the building receives a further protective coat of lime harling, as has been done throughout its history. This is also a requirement of the grant funding from Historic Environment Scotland.

The fine marble cartouche has been carefully cleaned and restored and was reinstated during July 2024.