All change at the National Library

The National Library of Scotland Bill, currently under consideration by the Scottish Parliament, would radically change how the library is run.

The current legislation is long out of date, but critics have suggested the changes could open the way to greater Scottish Government control of the institution.

The library’s board is appointed on the basis of a 1925 Act, which allows for an unwieldy 32 members. It nominally includes the Lord Provosts of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen, the president of the Faculty of Advocates, and representatives of universities and local authorities.

The new bill calls for a board of between seven and 14 members, including a chair. Mr Anderson said he and other trustees are concerned that the board will be large enough, because a board of seven might not have an adequate range of skills.

Former Labour culture minister Patricia Ferguson, has warned against giving too much power to ministers, saying the library’s “independence and unique status” must be protected.