Tarbert Library was declared officially open last week by Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Community and Culture, Councillor Robin Currie. 

The new, modern library is fitted out with bright furnishings, comfortable seating, a meeting room for private study and classes, a colourful area for children and free Wi-Fi. It has considerable space, offering an even greater range of service for the community. 

Talking at the opening, Councillor Currie said, “I am honoured and delighted to be opening the new Tarbert library. The number of people visiting libraries in Argyll and Bute increased by 10% last year. This pays tribute to the many and varied services which are now being provided. Libraries are becoming the focus for our communities to access a diverse range of services, information and learning opportunities.

“I hope that people will begin to see the library as a community hub. A place where people can meet and we are keen for the building to be used as much as possible outside of normal library opening hours.”

There is also gallery space in the library for displaying paintings and various other forms of artwork. This area is currently home to two beautiful watercolour paintings that were donated to the Council during the summer.

The paintings are both by Peter MacGregor Wilson and were gifted to his friends, Archibald MacGilp and Marion Martin Nicolson on the occasion of their marriage April 19, 1911. The paintings were donated to the library by the couple’s grandson, Martin MacGilp from Inverness. One is untitled and the other is titled, “Tarbert”.

Mr MacGilp said, “It feels great that the paintings are secure in public ownership and that they will be on display at the library for a time."