People in Dumbarton and the Vale were invited to hear the plans for the town’s oldest building in a meeting this week.

Councillors attended a presentation on the redevelopment of the historic Glencairn House in Dumbarton’s High Street in a planning pre-application consultation on Tuesday (June 28).

In background papers published on West Dunbartonshire Council’s website it states that the proposals involve the refurbishment and extension of the existing building to house a new combined public lending library and museum.

It was last occupied by the Dumbarton Credit Union but has been vacant for a number of years.

The B-listed building 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 is also a design for the extension at the rear of the building overlooking the River Leven and with views towards Dumbarton Castle. It takes inspiration from the town’s glassworks industry, and the 1,200-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.

During the meeting potential issues such as sustainability, the relationship with the River Leven and Dumbarton Rock as well as the status of the building, was discussed.

The report states: “Consideration needs to be given to ensure that the new development reconnects to the River Leven and the Dumbarton Rock and Castle and the relationship with these main anchors are maximised. Panoramic views onto the River Leven and Levengrove Park should be maximised.

“The wider community and economic benefits it brings to the local area in terms of creating jobs for local people and providing health and wellbeing facilities for use by local people need considered.”

Previously, Councillor Iain McLaren said: “The plans 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.”