1905 – Montrose Library, Angus, Scotland

Large red sandstone renaissence revival library by J. Lindsay Grant, with a large central painted bellcote. Though there have been some later alterations, the quality of the original interior is intact. The entrance doorway, hall and stairwell still has Arts and Crafts stained glass and tiled floor, with red and green wall tiles covering the hall and reference library walls. The Librarian’s flat on the upper floor is now converted to office and storage space.

In 1901, Scottish philanthropist Dr Andrew Carnegie, responded to a request for funding to provide a public library in Montrose. “I should be very glad indeed to comply with your suggestion and consider it a privilege. If Montrose will adopt the Free Libraries Act and provide a suitable site, I shall be glad to provide money for the building”.