STIRLING residents love their libraries more than anywhere else on the Scottish mainland.

New figures showed that last year, 4,900 books were loaned in Stirling per 1000 people - with only the islands of Orkney and Shetland performing better.

Stirling was also ranked second in Scotland for total library visits and enquiries, and scored highly in other categories, including requests and book acquisitions.

Councillor Chris Kane said: “Stirling libraries do a magnificent job in our communities and are hugely popular among citizens on the evidence of these latest figures.”

The figures were revealed at a meeting of Stirling Council’s Community and Planning Regeneration Committee, which discussed a strategy to manage the library service for the next five years.

Stirling library’s digital services, and how they can be developed, were also focused on during the meeting.

Cllr Kane added: “The clear Administration commitment to support libraries as 21st century digitally-competent community hubs, and the ambition and innovation of the libraries and archives team, requires a strategy to provide clear direction and priorities.”

“I am confident that libraries and archives will use this strategy to deliver a forward-facing service which will extend access to opportunities and enhance the wellbeing and regeneration of our communities.”