It's only been open a month but already Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries has picked up two top architecture awards for its 'elegant' features. 

At the ceremony in Edinburgh last Wednesday, the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) declared the public facility as one of 12 winners that will now compete for the best building in Scotland in November. 

Fife Council were also the winners of the Scottish Government's 'Client of the Year' award. 

Staff have tracked over 20,000 visitors in its first month alone. 

Architect Richard Murphy said: "The project at Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries has been a visionary idea pursued tenaciously over more than a decade by our client, Fife Council, so we were delighted they won ‘Client of the Year.’

"Their decision to have a competition in turn allowed us to shine at what we are good at; namely grafting contemporary design onto historic buildings and within a special conservation area.

"The building also squeezes a lot into a small volume but never loses touch of its wonderful location with a whole variety of carefully controlled vistas. We have been thrilled since it opened that the people of Dunfermline have taken it to their collective heart. It has no shortage of visitors and we hope this alone will contribute towards the rejuvenation of the centre of the town. I believe the RIAS award recognises all these achievements."

The building on Abbot Street was praised for 'elegantly' bringing together a museum, art galleries, meeting rooms and a cafe, alongside the world's first Andrew Carnegie Library.

It's joined together two listed buildings, the existing Carnegie Library and a former bank branch, into a modern extension which overlooks the grounds of Dunfermline Abbey.

 Cllr David Alexander, Co-Leader of Fife Council is delighted to see the DCL&G building pick up another prestigious award. He said: "We've all been very encouraged by the tremendously positive reaction from visitors to our new building. Recognition like this places a very appropriate seal of confirmation on the project though and highlights that it's a building of true architectural standing and of national importance.

"I'd like to congratulate everyone who has played a part in delivering this outstanding project and to thank fellow funders Heritage Lottery Fund and Carnegie Dunfermline Trust."

The building also recently won Edinburgh Architectural Association’s ‘Building of the Year’ and ‘Large Project of the Year’ awards. A more formal opening of the new venue is due to take place later in the year.

Heather Stuart, Chief Executive of Fife Cultural Trust, said: “This is the second time our new building has been recognised by a prestigious architectural institution, due in no small part to Richard Murphy’s pioneering vision to sympathetically blend the old with the new. The building’s purpose, of course, is to play a role in Dunfermline’s cultural regeneration and it has been heartening to see the public embrace it over the past four weeks.”