This cache takes you to Innerpeffray Library - Scotland's first free Public Lending Library - visit the website Library
To quote from the site
'Innerpeffray Library was founded by David Drummond, 3rd Lord Madertie, by 1680, when he made 400 of his family books available to the public. At this time the Library was sited in the loft of the adjacent St Mary's Chapel, burial place of the Drummond family. Madertie states in a will written in 1680 that the Library, and school founded at the same time, were "for the improvement and education of the population particularly the young students."
The present library house was purpose built for Robert Hay Drummond, at the time Archbishop of York, and patron of the Library, and completed in 1762. On the death of the Archbishop his book collection was donated to the Library by his son, Robert Auriol Hay, 9th Earl of Kinnoull. The library flourished during the late 18th and 19th centuries; many more books were added by subsequent patrons, members of the Hay Drummond families. However as public libraries with superior stock of modern books began to proliferate during the early 20th century, Innerpeffray Library's popularity waned. Borrowings fell to minimal levels and in 1968, despite the best efforts of successive librarians and the trustees, the decision was made to cease operating as a lending library, thus bringing to an end almost three hundred years of continuous service to the community.'
Innerpeffray Library is now maintained by a Charitable Trust and is open to visitors for a small admission charge which includes a guided tour of the collection by The Keeper of The Books or one of the volunteers who support the Library.
My guide lovingly rolled back the covers of the cabinets to reveal the delights within. I was free to inspect them by opening the cabinets and placing the books on cushions whilst turning the pages with gloved hands. Photography is welcome!
Here I found an early copy of Pennant's Tour of Scotland, The Scots Magazine from 1746 with a report from 'our war correspondent' on the Battle of Culloden, the oldest book in Scotland from 1502, real evidence of a bookworm at work and some amazing hand painted maps from 1638 showing the source of the Nile well before it was 'discovered'
One of the books on display is the record of lending going back to its first borrower and this provides an insight into the high levels of literacy amongst the local community in the early eighteenth century
This place is pure delight for bookworms and you can easily spend several hours there so be prepared to slow down and relax. The cache is placed outside the building with permission from The Keeper of the Books. It is available at all times and is very accessible but please check that the Library is open before visiting if you want to see this remarkable collection of literature.
By the way there is a magnificent Sequoiadendeon gigamteum by the side of the car park to appreciate - thanks to Peigi McCann for ID
Although the cache is wheelchair friendly the Library is situated on the First floor of the building to avoid dampness so it is not unfortunately accessible
Well done Katie Morag on getting there First!