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Summary

Description

Circa 1910 with later alterations and additions. Single storey with attic, 3-bay asymmetrical public library with Dutch gable to right with inscription, 'DONALD INSTITUTE' below and projecting square bay to left. Stugged red sandstone ashlar with polished squared bay and dressings; harled to rear and part sides. Apron below ground floor window; cornice to squared block. Pilastered and corniced surround to window to right with carved frieze and cornice above; stone mullions and transoms; stop pilasters to upper half of angles with truncated obelisk finials flanking Dutch gable.

W (PRINCIPAL) ELEVATION: roof swept low over entrance with modern surrounding fascia at ground in bay to centre; steps to 2-leaf timber panelled door within; part-glazed vestibule door beyond; square dormer window above. 3-light window in projecting square bay to left; canted, 4-light dormer window above. Large window in gabled bay to right.

N (SIDE) ELEVATION: irregular 6-bay, grouped 4-1-1 with blank gable and flanking full-height stack feature to left. 4-bay block to centre: replacement timber door with 3-light rectangular fanlight at ground in bay to left of centre; window, set high at 1st floor above. Window at each floor in bay to left. Window at each floor in each remaining bay. Wide bay with semicircular pediment and wallhead stack to right: window, set to left at each floor. Bipartite window at ground in remaining bay to outer right.

S (SIDE) ELEVATION: 2-bay with blank gable to outer right. Evenly disposed, projecting 3-light window in each bay.

E (REAR) ELEVATION: 2-bay with 3-light projecting window in each bay.

Predominantly small-pane timber sash and case windows with fixed pane windows to Dutch gable light. Grey slate roof with piended dormer to left; ashlar coped stack to NW angle; ashlar coped skews and copes to Dutch gable and to pediment; cast-iron rainwater goods.

INTERIOR: timber skirtings, architraved and timber panelled doors; part-glazed 2-leaf swing vestibule doors; circular skylight to entrance hall; cornice/picture rail to main hall; boarded dado.

BOUNDARY WALLS, GATEPIERS AND RAILINGS: tall square-plan channelled red sandstone ashlar gatepiers adjacent to main entrance to left (N) with dentilled cornices and truncated obelisk caps; replacement wrought-iron gates. Low sandstone ashlar walls with decorative wrought-iron railings (hedge now growing bend railings).

Statement of Special Interest

Mr James Donald, a local philanthropist made efforts, like many of his peers at the time, to direct the activities of local people away from the public house towards more worthy leisure pursuits, (see Notes for The Duchess Nina Nursing Home, formerly a similar Institute in Quarter, South Lanarkshire). Subsequently, he funded the construction of this building which originally contained reading and recreation rooms together with plans for catering facilities. Mr James T Forgie, a local worthy was appointed chairman of trustees under the James Donald Bequest. Now in use as a Library, with the entrance altered.

References

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