Dunblane
5 miles North of Stirling via M9
Telephone 01786 823388
Museum Telephone 01786 823440
The Celts originally founded the church of St Blane here in the seventh century. A Cathedral building of great antiquity and once a leading ecclesiastical centre. Mainly 13th Century, with a tower which dates from the 11th century.
Dunblane was granted city status in 1500 by James IV but it's importance diminished with the advent of the Reformation in 1560. The cathedral was vandalised and the Nave lost it's roof around this time. The arrival of the railway in 1845, transformed Dunblane from a poor weaving community into a city for affluent Victorians. The cathedral we see today was restored by architects, Sir Rowand Anderson and Sir Robert Lorimer in 1892 to 95.
The history of Dunblane is recorded in the Dean's House, built in 1624 and located in the High Street. The Dean at this time was James Pearson the 1st of Kippenross and you will see his coat of arms on the wall. Across the road is the Leighton Library, one of the oldest private libraries in Scotland. Founded by the Bishop of Dunblane, Robert Leighton, for his private book collection it contains Medieval, Reformation, Dunblane and Restoration rooms. There are nearly 4500 books, printed in 80 languages. The library is administered by Stirling University.
Open
Cathedral All year
Dean's House
Monday to Saturday 10.00 to 13.00 and 14.00 to 16.30
Closed Sundays
Leighton Library
May to October
Wednesday to Friday 10.00 to 12.30 and 14.00 to 16.30 or by appointment
Admission by donation
Donations will help towards running costs
