Protesters gathered outside Scone Library on November 9 (Image: Perthshire Advertiser)

Protesters gathered outside Scone Library campaigning to save it from closure

by · Daily Record

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Over 200 protesters gathered outside Scone Library on Saturday, November 9 eager to save it from potential closure.

And on Tuesday evening Scone and District Community Council met with Culture Perth and Kinross to discuss the proposals.

Due to rising financial pressures, Culture Perth and Kinross is actively exploring alternative models for library services across the area.

Culture Perth and Kinross runs Perth and Kinross libraries on behalf of Perth and Kinross Council.

It has said it is "exploring alternative models to continue providing essential services, including community-led provision, click-and-collect services, and enhanced mobile library activities".

Save Scone Library campaign group is now working alongside similar groups in areas such as Comrie, Auchterarder, Birnam, and Alyth.

A Save Scone Library spokesperson said: "We are planning to work more closely together in the future, including a planned protest at AK Bell Library, and through further petitioning our MSPs."

Last week Mid Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser raised the issue in the Scottish Parliament.

Mr Fraser said: "We need to know what support the Scottish Government provides to local authorities to help secure the future of community libraries. I have had numerous constituents contact me recently to raise concerns about the proposed closure of seven community libraries in towns and villages across Perth and Kinross, as a direct result of budget cuts by the SNP-run Perth and Kinross Council.

“These libraries are not just libraries to lend books, they are important community hubs which host a range of activities and their loss would be significant to the communities that they serve."

He later added: "I really hope that a solution can be found to keep our libraries open."

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