Dufftown’s public library will close at noon on Saturday, March 6 to allow the library and former rent office premises to be upgraded into a library, learning centre and community resource area.

The £75,000 project, which is being supported by European funding, will also benefit from enhanced broadband and the provision of eight computers.

Moray Council’s libraries and museums manager, Alistair Campbell, said the work was vital in ensuring Dufftown had access to a modern library, supported learning opportunities, a community resource and online council services.

He said: “The premises will be totally gutted to form an open plan area that will encourage use by all of the community. Through European funding and the commitment of Moray Council, Dufftown will have a totally modernised resource in an ideal location.”

Mr Campbell said there would be disruption to the library service as a result of the premises being closed from the week beginning March 8 until late May.

“We would encourage library users to make use of other libraries during this period,” he said. “We are positive that the new provision will be worth the disruption and give new opportunities for the community.”