The grant contributes to a total over £200,000 raised by the library towards making this development possible.

The funds will enable sympathetic improvements to the lower floor of the library’s purpose built ‘A’-listed Georgian library, providing a new exhibition and event space for the public, and temperature and humidity controls for the books. The grant will also provide space for the first major acquisition for the lLibrary in over 200 years: over 450 Scottish first editions are to have a new home at Innerpeffray.

The library looks forward to opening the new space where members of the public will be able to enjoy the volumes first hand, and for the first time, welcome wheelchair users. A programme of events and activities to celebrate the new space and the arrival of the books is planned, at the library and online, for the coming 12 months.

Chairman of the Library, Robert L Wallace, said: “I am very proud that our small team has raised such a substantial sum to take the library into a new era. We look forward to welcoming people from all over the world to see both the original library and the amazing, new Scottish books so generously gifted to us.This grant  means we will be able to give them the welcome they deserve, and above all will help us all keep the library open and keep it unspoilt: as the founder, David Drummond, third Lord Madertie set out  in his will in 1680 “it is for the benefit of all”.

Colin McLean, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: “Historic books provide a valuable resource for anyone wanting to explore their past. They are bursting with stories and pictures which give us clues as to what life was like for our ancestors. The Heritage Lottery Fund is delighted to be able to support this project which will transform the library for future visitors and let as many people as possible enjoy its amazing heritage collections. Innerpeffray Library is to be congratulated on its commitment to making heritage more accessible and we wish them every success with the project.”

Also contributing money to the project are The Gannochy Trust, The Barcapel Foundation and Perth and Kinross Council, with additional support from other sources.

Notes to editors

About the Library of Innerpeffray 
Founded in 1680 the library is Scotland’s oldest free public lending library, and now a museum of the books, the people and the story of Innerpeffray. Initially serving the local population, Innerpeffray now welcomes visitors from across the world to this historic treasure house  located in a rural situation, between Crieff and Auchterarder in Perthshire, Scotland. 

Further information

Contact Lara Haggerty, Keeper of Books, on 01764 652 819 / Lara@innerpeffraylibrary.co.uk or Robert Wallace, Chairman of Governors, on 01764 652 242 / rwallace209@btinternet.com.