Save Scone Library protesters told ‘significant savings’ must be made

Scone Library campaigners say they're working with user groups for other libraries under threat across Perth and Kinross

By Morag Lindsay

November 12 2024, 6:00am

Faces in the crowd during the library protest. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson.

Around 200 people staged a demonstration at Scone library amid fears it’s under threat of closure.

It comes as Culture Perth and Kinross consults library users across the county on the future for the service.

Scone protesters insist their library is a vital community resource.

They say it’s well-used by everyone from school pupils to older people, who will be using it as a “warm space” this winter.

And with plans for another 750 homes in the area, they argue Scone can ill afford to lose any community facilities.

Small boy holding 'save my library' placard — Save Scone Library protester Ben makes his feelings clear. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson.

Save Scone Library campaigners are also in talks with locals in places such as Auchterarder and Comrie, which are facing similar questions over the future of their libraries.

Culture Perth and Kinross has said it’s “heartened” by the show of support.

But the organisation, which runs libraries and other cultural services for the council, warns it’s being required to make “significant financial savings”.

Library users urged to attend Scone consultation event

Local councillors Colin Stewart, Hugh Anderson and Jack Welch addressed the Scone protest.

Green MSP Mark Ruskell was there too.

Mark Ruskell speaking to crowd at Scone library — Mark Ruskell MSP speaking at the event. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson.

Councillor Colin Sewart in crowd at library protest — Independent councillor Colin Stewart lent his backing. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson.

Organisers are now urging Scone locals to attend a consultation event with representatives from Culture Perth and Kinross on Tuesday.

It will be held in the Robert Douglas Memorial Institute from 6.30pm.

One of the Save Scone Library protesters Sam Eskenazi says he, his wife and dog are regular visitors to the library.

And like many, he says they prize it for its community value as much as for its books.

Man in red anorak speaking to large group of people, many holding 'save Scone library' placards — Scone local Kevin Gates addressed the crowd outside the library. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson.

“We only moved here three years ago, and it was the first place where I felt welcome,” he said.

Culture chiefs address ‘challenging financial times’

Perth and Kinross councillors agreed at the 2024-25 budget meeting in February to allocate £191,000 to Culture Perth and Kinross to find “local solutions for library services” over the next  year.

Locals are being asked for their views on suggestions such as “click and collect” services, or “pop-up” libraries.

Large crowd of people outside Scone library — Scores of Scone locals attended the protest. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson.

The Scone protest follows a similar demonstration at Birnam.

The other libraries in the spotlight are at Alyth, Auchterarder, Comrie, North Inch, Coupar Angus and Pitlochry.

A Culture Perth and Kinross spokesperson said: “We are heartened by how passionate people are about Scone Library.

“Culture Perth and Kinross staff are consulting with library users across the region and we will do everything we can to continue as much access to library services as possible, whilst addressing the significant financial savings we are required to make.

“Our commitment is to maintain as many services as possible for Scone and other communities across Perth and Kinross, within these challenging financial times.”