West Dunbartonshire Council has confirmed that the opening of the new library and local history museum at Glencairn House in Dumbarton has been postponed due to "unforeseen technical issues."
The £7.2 million project, which will transform the B-listed building on the High Street into a public lending library and museum, has already faced significant delays since its initial completion date of July last year.
Latest setback
A local source claimed last week that the project had run into further delays, questioning when the revamp would finally open its doors. The source said: "The very long running project to move Dumbarton Library into Glencairn House has been postponed (with no timeframe) because of unforeseen technical difficulties."
"Given this project has just been handed over to WDC, I’m sure I’m not the only person wondering what that’s about and how long it will take to resolve."
Council response
In a response to the Lennox, a West Dunbartonshire Council spokesperson confirmed the postponement and said library services would continue at the current base until the move is complete.
The spokesperson said: "Due to unforeseen technical issues, the planned move to the new library at Glencairn House has been postponed. We are working with our contractors to resolve this and in the meantime our existing library facility at Strathleven Place will remain open as normal."
"We apologise for any inconvenience, and look forward to welcoming residents into the new space as soon as possible."
Project details
The ambitious plans for Glencairn House, which has stood in the High Street since 1623, include a three-storey extension to house the library and museum. The property, with its landmark arch windows, has lain vacant for several years.
The new facility will include dedicated spaces for children and families, access to computers, quiet study areas, and relaxed meeting spaces. A standalone children’s library pavilion will be created at the back of the building, opening onto a library garden centred on the existing tree, which will become the garden’s 'storytelling tree'.
Museum displays will be integrated throughout the building, featuring key objects from the council’s museum, archive, and local history collections that tell stories of Dumbarton.
The move of library services, including Bookbug, Storytime, and Lego sessions, had earlier sparked controversy among users, but council bosses restored them until the Glencairn House revamp is complete.
