Airdrie is set for a significant heritage-led regeneration following the announcement of a £1.4 million investment from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Rediscovering Airdrie project.

The initiative focuses on the restoration and modernisation of Airdrie Library—a building of immense historical significance as the first library in Scotland established under the Public Libraries Act.

A standout feature of the redevelopment is the focus on the Airdrie Public Observatory, which is uniquely situated within the library building. It is the smallest of only four municipal public observatories in the UK and the only one of its kind in a public library in Europe.

The planned works, set to commence later this year, will include:

• Structural Modernisation: Replacing the aged rear section of the library with a new building featuring a dedicated viewing platform around the observatory.

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• Enhanced Accessibility: Relocating the lift to ensure all visitors, including those with mobility challenges, can access every area of the facility, including the rooftop observatory.

• Heritage Spotlighting: Redesigning the main library and local studies room to better display historic museum pieces and artifacts, allowing for a more immersive exploration of Airdrie's local history.

• Town Centre Revitalisation: A shopfront improvement scheme designed to boost the aesthetic and economic appeal of the town centre.

Council Leader Jim Logue welcomed the funding: "Airdrie was the site of the first public library in Scotland and a key part of our project is the development of the current Airdrie Library, which is also home to the only public observatory held in a public library in Europe. The project will create a resource for all our residents, offering facilities and services at the heart of the town."

The investment is part of a wider £7 million package from the National Lottery Heritage Fund aimed at revitalising historic town centres across Scotland, including projects in Girvan, Tarbert, and Glasgow's Sauchiehall Street.

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, added: "Understanding how communities feel about their heritage is vital to meaningful regeneration, and we're proud to invest in four exceptional places where historic buildings will be restored and repurposed for everyone to enjoy, now and for generations."