Bleachingfield is East Lothian Council's main office building for the Dunbar and East Linton area…read more It pretty much has everything that you would need for a council-owned building. Dunbar Library was relocated into here a few years ago and although the new building does not have as much character as the older building on Belhaven Road which is now an art school with a hideous pink door, you do not go to the library to stare at the building all day - you go there to look at books! The new purpose-built space is bright and clean with friendly staff, and as I mentioned before, lots of books are in-store. As well as the council offices, the centre also has a sports hall which is used for the polling station during the elections as well as a small coffee shop which is run by a local charity called The Ridge which helps people find jobs. I feel that it serves its purpose and that is why I often drop in when I am in town.

I've visited this library on many occasions as a regular visitor to the area and in my opinion it…read moreprovides all age ranges with an amazing experience. As well as book reading, the staff draw in visitors by providing a range of alternative activities such as jigsaw building and swapping, crafting for children etc. They also provide tea, coffee and hot chocolate (a real favourite with my grandchildren). Finally, a one-day dog friendly day for the animal lovers. This must be the best library in Scotland. The museum upstairs is also amazing and well worth a visit. It caters for both adults and children.

Picturesque building in a great location overlooking princes street, the courtyard although small…read moreand quite busy with tourists, holds a statue of John Knox. You need ID to access the library but if you wait around for someone to come in or out you might be lucky and once inside you will be greeted by beautiful stained glass windows. It's unclear though where visitors are allowed to roam so some info on this would be helpful.

As well as being a stunning building to admire from the outside, New College is an excellent venue…read morefor hosting events as well. It stands on top of The Mound and so has an imposing look, visible from Princes Street and beyond. Like Edinburgh itself, which has old and new towns, the university has Old College and New College. Also like the city, both old and new are quite old indeed. The building dates from 1846 and houses the School of Divinity at the University. However, there are also rooms that can be rented out for events, and that's what brought me here. Our ball happened in Rainy Hall, a stunning hall, with crests and coats of arms all around. Walking in through the main gate of the college brings one to the very Hogwarts-like quadrangle, which makes for some great photo ops. Once inside the building, all of the interior architecture also captures one's attention. However, I am far from an expert on this, so that's quite enough comments about architecture! Rainy Hall is an intimate venue for events. It comfortably accommodated our ~60 attendees, but much more than this and ceilidh dancing would become somewhat difficult. Catering and bar service are provided by the University's own Edinburgh First, with friendly, efficient staff, and a good selection of drinks at the bar. The food quality is very good, though portion sizes leave a lot to be desired. My recommendation to visit New College is twofold. As a tourist, the astoundingly beautiful building makes for excellent photographs. On top of this, for reasonably small events of up to 70 people, the Rainy Hall is an excellent venue to consider.

I have loved this library since forever, its collection of books old and new spans 2 or 3 floors…read morefloors. Its interior and exterior is both impressive. The library has many book groups as well as bookbug for children. There's a study space, music library and here you can also get hearing aid batteries and apply for a bus pass.

Excellent ease of access. Just walk in and ask your questions. Located the title and headed down…read moretwo levels to the Scottish collection. Online access to British newspapers online. Register and you can save your search results and review at home later on. Helpful, friendly staff.

The space is absolutely iconic so beautiful. The columns and the library. It feels so formal but…read morecan be more relaxed. We saw others in parkas, joggers and leggings. The flavors are complex and definitely geared towards foodies. I went all in what was described as a Portuguese cheese roll which tasted like Gorgonzola very heavy which is one of my least favorite cheeses so it was a matter of personal preference. The desserts loved the banana rice pudding. It was divine and my favorite item. The chocolate mousse w/a cherry filling was to die for. The desserts were my favorites. Service is prompt and it's leisurely go at your own pace. We did not feel rushed even being 1 of the last tables remaining.

Edinburgh has no shortage of places for afternoon tea. After some internet research, we landed on…read morethe Signet Library. If you want a very quiet and peaceful experience, this is for you! If the quality of the bites matter, this is for you! Stepping into the tea room is literally like stepping into a library. Voices are hushed and tables are spaced out widely to allow for a very intimate experience. The savory tray was filled with delectable treats that were all so well made. The sweets tray that followed was equally gorgeous and delicious! You can really tell that they take pride in creating delicate bites that are very well thought out! So tasty! At 69 pounds, the tasting is more expensive than you'll find in some of the restaurants, but the ambiance and experience is very elevated!

If you're a St Andrews student this is a great place to study or do group work. The collection is…read moredecent-sized and the librarians work hard to make it student friendly. Upper floors are absolute silent zones, so go there for best concentration. Note that you will need a matriculation card to get in (no public access).

This library, chiefly for the benefit of the students that populate one third of the town, is…read moresomewhat of an eyesore within the historic setting in which it is situated. However, inside, despite the rather dire colour of the carpet and the continual background humming of some form of generators, is an environment which many students thrive in. During exam time, the library is teeming with people cramming their notes and if you want to find a secluded spot, it is often worth coming in a bit earlier. There are numerous computers and a clever express station area for quick email checks, which makes the wait for a computer never long. The library has an extensive collection of books and the recalling system is easy to use. Also, DVDs may be borrowed - certainly a cheaper alternative (i.e. free) than borrowing from a store.

A very small yet friendly library, with good service and the local internet spot for all, a very…read moregood source for information.

This library may look small from the outside but it hosts a wealth of great books. And if they…read moredon't have what you are looking for, they'll get it for you! They also have lovely links with Wallyford Primary School, my daughter loves going along as the staff are great with them. They take the time with the children and get to know them as individuals! It's lovely to see.