Around a hundred individuals gathered in Scone over the weekend for a rally opposing the closure of the town’s library. This event was a part of the campaign against the potential closure of seven libraries in Perth and Kinross, namely North Inch, Dunkeld, Alyth, Auchterarder, Comrie, Coupar Angus, and Scone itself. The threat of closure arose after Perth and Kinross Council’s decision to allocate £191,000 of its 2024/25 budget to Culture Perth and Kinross for finding “local solutions for library services.”
The council’s review had suggested consolidating key library services to community campuses and the AK Bell Library in Perth, while experimenting with the open library approach at Scone. They also proposed merging other rural library services within the broader council or public facilities. In a recent session at Holyrood, Perthshire Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser raised concerns about this issue with Scottish Government culture minister Angus Robertson, highlighting the importance of protecting rural libraries from potential cuts and closures.
At the rally in Scone, Green Perthshire MSP Mark Ruskell engaged with the crowd, emphasising the significance of libraries in communities beyond simple book borrowing. He stressed the long-term effects of closing a library and urged the local authorities and Culture Perth and Kinross to involve communities in meaningful consultations to find a way forward. Ruskell had discussions with representatives from Scone, Birnam, and Comrie along with PKC officials before the rally.
Culture Perth and Kinross stated their commitment to exploring alternative options such as community-led models, click-and-collect services, and expanded mobile library activities to maintain library services amidst financial constraints. They assured their dedication to retaining library services for communities in Perth and Kinross, even during challenging financial times.
In conclusion, the rally in Scone highlighted the community’s strong stance against the closure of their library and the broader issue of preserving rural library services in Perth and Kinross. The engagement of local representatives and MSPs like Mark Ruskell demonstrates the collective effort to protect essential community resources and foster meaningful discussions for sustainable solutions. The ongoing debate emphasises the vital role of libraries in providing valuable services beyond traditional book lending, enriching the lives of residents in various Scottish communities.