Signet Library, West Parliament Square, Edinburgh

The Signet Library, situated on West Parliament Square in Edinburgh, was originally constructed as a purpose-built library in the early 19th century. The exterior was designed by Robert Reid and built in 1810, while the interior was completed by William Stark between 1812 and 1813. A staircase was added by W H Playfair in 1819, with further alterations made by William Burn in 1834. The building is a symmetrical, three-storey structure with a basement, featuring 19 bays with advanced end bays and an oversailing entrance platts. It is constructed of ashlar stone, with chamfered rustication on the ground level and rubble to the rear. The facades include round-arched openings with deep-set windows, along with impost, band, cill, and cornice courses, a panelled parapet to the central and outer bays, and balustraded parapets elsewhere. Some first-floor windows have pediments and moulded architraves. A later wing extends to the west.

The north-facing entrance elevation, overlooking Parliament Square, is dominated by a central seven-bay section with advanced outer bays and engaged Ionic columns rising from the first floor, topped with a blind balustrade. A two-leaf timber entrance is located off-centre to the left and far right, each with a semi-circular, multi-pane fanlight above. Primarily, 12-pane timber sash and case windows are found on the upper floors, while the ground floor features round-arched, multi-pane timber sash and case windows.

The interior, largely unaltered since its original design, is an outstanding example of Neo-Classical architecture. It comprises two main libraries linked by a grand, eastern staircase with intricately carved metal balusters and a timber handrail. The staircase hall is notable for its Ionic and Corinthian columned screens and a coffered dome. Both libraries share a nave and aisle design, with bays separated by fluted Corinthian columns and decorative metal anthemion balustraded balconies. The lower library, with seven bays, features deep dentilled cornicing. The upper library, spanning ten bays, includes extended three-bay transepts to the north and south, incorporating clasping piers at the corners, and a shallow saucer dome above, adorned with a painted frieze and a semi-elliptical coffered ceiling. A finely carved and decorative cornice is also present. A stained glass window is located to the west. Smaller rooms, including one with a spiral staircase, are also included. The building has internal links to both the National Library of Scotland and Parliament Hall, which are listed separately.

In front of the Parliament Square elevation, a low stone wall supports decorative iron railings and gates incorporating two lamp standards with globe shades set into cast iron holders.