DUMBARTON'S oldest building is set to get a new lease of life after "ambitious" plans to transform the property were given the green light. 

Proposals to create a state-of-the-art library and museum inside Glencairn House were approved this week.

The building, located in the town's high street, will undergo a "major transformation" including the construction of a three-storey extension.

It is hoped that the extension will provide extra space to house both the library and museum.

The property has been vacant for a number of years and is known for its iconic arch windows.

Restoration of the existing structure will be carried out whilst preserving its historic elements.

New dedicated spaces for children and families will be created as well as access to computers, quiet study areas, and meeting spaces.

A standalone children's library will also be located at the back of the building, opening out onto a garden centred on the existing tree which will become a 'storytelling tree'. 

Museum displays are to be integrated throughout the property. 

They will feature key objects from the council's museum, archive, and local history collections that tell stories of Dumbarton.

These include a Roman Medallion from 193AD and the bronze 'Skellat Bell' from around 900AD.

Approval of the plans is said to mark a significant milestone for the property and the project to bring it back to life. 

It is one of three projects in West Dunbartonshire awarded a share of £19.9 million in Levelling Up Funding.

Members of West Dunbartonshire Council's planning committee discussed the report before agreeing that the proposals will be taken forward.

Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, chair of the planning committee, said: “We are thrilled to have this project approved and taking a significant step in the regeneration of Dumbarton town centre.

"We are committed to preserving its historic significance while creating a modern library and museum that will serve as a valuable community asset for generations to come.

"It’s taken significant work from the teams involved and we’ve appreciated all the feedback from residents on this project.”

Councillor David McBride, convener of the IRED committee, added: “I’m really pleased and excited to see how this project is going to reshape this historic building while giving a nod to its historical significance in the design through the proposed colour palette and materials.

"There will be many people from the area that will remember it being open and know the potential of the building and now we’ll be able to create new memories for the future generation.”

The current Dumbarton Library, located on Strathleven Place, will be transformed into a community collections store and archive which will be open to the public.

The new facility will, for the first time, provide access to the stored objects and documents in West Dunbartonshire's heritage collections.