Signet Library, West Parliament Square, Edinburgh

Robert Reid, 1810 (exterior) and William Stark, 1812-13 (interior) with staircase by W H Playfair, 1819 and William Burn, 1834. Symmetrical, 3-storey and basement, 19-bay Classical purpose-built library with advanced end bays and oversailing entrance platts. Ashlar with chamfered rustication to ground, rubble to rear. Round-arched openings to ground with deep-set windows. Impost course, band course, cill courses, cornice, panelled parapet to central and outer bays; balustraded parapet to others. Some pedimented windows to 1st storey with moulded architraves. Later wing to W.

FURTHER DESCRIPTION: entrance elevation to N (Parliament Square). Central 7 bays with advanced outer bays and engaged Ionic columns rising from 1st storey with blind balustrade at 1st storey. 2-leaf timber entrance doors to off-centre left and far right with semi-circular, multi-pane glazing pattern fanlights above.

Predominantly 12-pane timber sash and case windows to upper storeys, round-arched multi-pane timber sash and case windows to ground.

INTERIOR: (seen 2007). Outstanding, little altered, exceptional Neo-Classical scheme comprising principally two libraries linked by wide, imperial staircase to E with intricately carved metal balusters and timber handrail. Stair hall with Ionic and Corinthian columned screens and coffered dome. Both libraries of nave and aisles design with bays separated by fluted Corinthian columns and decorative metal anthemion balustraded balconies. 7-bay lower library with deep dentilled cornicing. 10-bay upper library with extended central 3-bay transepts to N and S with clasping piers at corners and shallow saucer dome above with painted frieze. Semi-elliptical coffered ceiling. Dentilled and finely carved decorative cornice. Stained glass window to W (see Notes). Other, smaller rooms, one with spiral staircase. Panelled timber doors. Internal links to National Library of Scotland and Parliament Hall (see separate listings).

RAILINGS: to front (Parliament Square) elevation. Very low stone wall with decorative iron railings and gates with 2 integral lamp standards with globe shades set into cast iron holders.