Drymen’s former library is set to undergo a transformation into hotel accommodation, bringing a new lease of life to the historic building. The Winnock Hotel, located nearby, has officially submitted plans to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park planners for the conversion of the former library into a hotel extension. The proposed changes will see the premises at 12 The Square transition from a Class 10 designation (public library) to a Class 7 designation (hotel), adding seven additional bedrooms to the existing hotel.
According to documents submitted with the application, the renovated space will integrate seamlessly with the current hotel operations. Guests will check-in at the main reception in the hotel and access the new rooms through existing and new doorways. The plans also include provisions for two accessible guestrooms to enhance the hotel’s offerings. The design of the new rooms will maintain the aesthetic of the original building to ensure a cohesive look.
The library closed its doors in July this year at the end of its lease, prompting the need for alternative plans to serve the community. Despite efforts by Stirling Council to reach an agreement with the building’s owners, the library ultimately had to cease operations. Flooding incidents over the years also posed challenges during lease negotiations, further contributing to the closure.
With a population of 830, Drymen’s library catered to over 1,000 registered members, including outlying areas. Only a fraction of these members were considered active users, with the library offering a book stock of 7,000 items, computer access, and various community programs. Following the closure, library staff were redeployed to other roles within the library service to continue serving the community.
The transition of Drymen’s ex-library into hotel accommodation signifies a new chapter for the historic building and a creative solution for repurposing the space to meet contemporary needs. As plans progress, the integration of the former library into the Winnock Hotel is expected to enhance the overall guest experience and contribute to the vitality of the local community.