A state-of-the-art new library and museum in Dumbarton’s oldest building could be operational as soon as 2024.

Councillors were updated this week on progress on the project to transform the historic Glencairn House on the High Street with a three-floor extension to the rear overlooking the River Leven and with views towards Dumbarton Castle.

Glencairn House would display the finest historical items from West Dunbartonshire Council’s heritage collection and include a dedicated children’s space featuring a garden and story-telling tree.

There will also be the usual library offer of fiction and non-fiction books, as well as public computer use.

The design for the extension at the rear of the building takes inspiration from the town’s glassworks industry, and the 1200-year-old Skellat Bell from the council’s own collection.

In addition to the new library, the existing facility at Strathleven Place would become a community archive and heritage space where the public will be able to engage for the first time with rare and valuable items from the local area.

The combined project was part of the council’s successful bid to the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund for £19.9m.

The information was shared during an update to the authority's infrastructure, regeneration and economic development committee this week.

The proposals will form a planning application expected to be submitted early next year. The committee agreed that a procurement exercise for construction can begin once planning permission is secured.

Councillor Iain McLaren, the committee's convener and a Dumbarton ward councillor, said: "Our plans to transform Glencairn House - Dumbarton’s oldest building - into a new, purpose-built and modern library will give us a great state-of-the-art facility which attracts people from near and far, and ensure that our town highlights our rich heritage to both residents and visitors alike.

"The proposed plans show a real creative use of space on our high street, which is importantly sympathetic to the history of the site.

"I am also really encouraged to see the proposal’s connectivity with the River Leven as it is so important that Dumbarton town centre increases its interaction with the riverside. I look forward to seeing it progress in the coming months and years."