A site has been chosen for a new Archive Centre in Dumfries, it has been confirmed.

Following a meeting of the local authority's Community and Customer Services Committee on Tuesday (19 August), it was decided that the preferred site is that of the Ewert Library, located on Catherine Street.

It is said the site will increase public access to Archives and Local Studies, as well as contribute to the regeneration of Dumfries town. Once completed, the centre will house more than 6km of records, in a space of around 800 sq m.

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Dumfries and Galloway Council has said it will now submit a Stage One Heritage Lottery Fund application for the project. In addition, a report will be presented to the Council's Policy and Resources Committee next month to request a commitment of match-funding for the project.

Tom McAughtrie, Chairman of Community and Customer Services Committee, welcomed Tuesday's decision. He said: "I am delighted that the site for the Archive Centre has been approved. The new Centre is an excellent addition to Dumfries and Galloway, and will give locals and visitors alike easy access to records. With digitalisation now playing a key part in the keeping of records, a state of the art Archive Centre is exactly what our Council needs."

(JP/IT)