The Reading Rooms, Blackscroft, Dundee

Small symmetrical single-storey ashlar library set in triangular formal garden on gusset site. 3-bay N and W frontages, channelled angle pilasters and centre baroque arches containing broken pedimented aedicular Ionic doorpiece, inscription over, to W and architraved doorpiece to N. Architraved cross windows to either side with leaded glass. Entablature, dentil cornice and balustrade, stepped swagged panelled centrepiece. Balustrade missing from W elevation. S ELEVATION: 3 similar windows, blind basement, balustrade missing. E elevation blank rubble-built wall. Balustraded terrace in garden. Wrought-iron railings and overthrow gates between stone piers. Hollow chamfered pier at gusset. Interior altered, due to conversion to night club and a fire. (ref: Historic Scotland) The library took the form of a French pavilion with a formal triangular garden overlooking the Tay. The building was chiefly a reading room for newspapers and magazine, with a section reserved for ladies. (ref: C McKean & D Walker)

1993: The building closes as a public house, and is marketed by Graham and Sibbald of Dundee. April 1994: SCT understands the building is now under offer. September 1994: Permission is granted for change of use to a restaurant. February 1995: Permission is granted to Tayside Taverns Ltd for change of use to a nightclub. December 1997: Conversion into a nightclub is completed. December 1998: The nightclub has now closed, and the building is being marketed by Graham and Sibbald. March 2001: SCT understands that the building is once more in use as a nightclub. May 2003: Local planners report that though in use the building remains at risk. January 2006: The building appears to be in occasional use.

October 2009: A member of the public contacts SCT to report that the building is in use as a nightclub and has been for many years. Set to SAVED.

March 2010: Local planners advise although the building is in use as a nightclub, the building‘s condition is of concern. External inspection finds the building to be in poor condition. Stone is eroding and delaminating in many places, but especially on the corners of the south elevation. The window frames are in poor condition and boarded internally. The middle window in the south elevation is broken. There are bushes growing on the roof. Moved back to At Risk.

11 June 2019: The Courier reported (3/6/2019) on the closure of the nightclub business within the building.