Drymen’s ex-library set for new lease of life as hotel accommodation

Drymen’s former library is set to be transformed into hotel accommodation, as the Winnock Hotel has submitted plans for an extension to include seven additional bedrooms. The hotel, located at 12 The Square, has applied for a change of use of the premises from a public library to a hotel, which would form an extension to the existing hotel building.

In the proposal submitted to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park planners, agents for the hotel outlined the plans for the renovation of the former library space. The new hotel rooms will be accessible through existing and new doorways, with two rooms designated as accessible to enhance the hotel’s offerings. The design will blend seamlessly with the existing hotel’s aesthetic to maintain continuity in the architecture.

The library closed its doors in July, marking the end of its lease, and the local community has been served by a mobile library service as alternatives are explored. Stirling Council was given notice to vacate the premises by the end of July, following flooding issues that had been a point of contention during lease negotiations.

Drymen’s former library, which had a membership of 1193 and served a population of 830, offered various services including book borrowing, computer access, and community events. Staff from the library have been redeployed to other roles within the library service following its closure.

The decision to repurpose the library space into hotel accommodation highlights a shift in the community’s needs and reflects the evolving nature of public spaces. The transformation will not only provide additional amenities for visitors but also contribute to the local economy and tourism sector.

As the Winnock Hotel progresses with its plans to convert the former library, it heralds a new era for the historic building and signifies a creative approach to preserving and repurposing community spaces for future generations to enjoy.