Bestselling crime writer Ian Rankin has opened a redevelopment of the University’s main library.
The award-winning Inspector Rebus author studied English Language and Literature at the University from 1978 to 1985.
He was a regular visitor to the library as a postgraduate student, when he wrote his first two novels.
The author joined a celebration to mark the transformation of three floors in the Grade A-listed building in George Square.
A £60 million redevelopment of the Library by architects Lewis and Hickey is scheduled to finish in 2012.
The project preserves Sir Basil Spence’s iconic 1960s building while introducing contemporary features.
This creates a more open, flexible study space in response to changing student and research needs.
Library visitors can use study pods, where groups may work together, or cool zones for solo study, and a café which is open to the public.
Artwork by Scottish artist Alec Finlay has been commissioned for the building. Entitled Interleaved, this is inspired by the building and the books within it.
Dr Rankin toured the ground floor’s study facilities and the Centre for Research Collections, home to the University’s archive of historical artefacts, on the top two floors.
The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.
The University of Edinburgh Development Trust is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC004307.
