A tall early civic building was given a bowed classical face by Robert Adam, turning the High Street view into part of its design.
Quick facts
- Date
- Around 1600; remodelled 1771; later commercial and residential conversion
- Architect / designer
- Robert Adam associated with the 1771 remodelling
- Type
- Former county and burgh building with bowed classical front
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB36300)
- OS grid reference
- NO 11959 02115
Architecture, archaeology and continuing use
The narrow three-storey range is faced in painted sandstone and ends in a prominent bow. Pilasters, band courses, niches and a corniced central window give the bowed elevation civic dignity, while later shopfronts make the ground floor visibly different from the upper dwellings.
Its story
A building on the site dates from around 1600. In 1771 Robert Adam, then the local parliamentary representative, supplied and helped fund a remodelling. It later lost its main county function and was extensively adapted for commercial premises below and homes above.
Why it is included
Category B listing recognises a rare provincial public work associated with Adam and a long-lived civic building whose changing uses remain legible in its fabric.
What to notice
- Curved end closing the view along the High Street.
- Inscribed panel recording the 1771 repair and Adam’s role.
- Contrast between formal upper floors and later shopfronts.
Reading the surroundings
View from the public pavement. Shops and homes are occupied spaces: enter only an open business for its normal purpose, keep doorways clear and respect residents’ privacy.
Timeline
- Circa 1600 An early county and town building occupied this central High Street position.
- 1771 Robert Adam supplied a new civic front and contributed to its cost.
- 1814 The steeple committee used the building after its earlier county functions began to change.
- 20th century Commercial units and upper dwellings reshaped the internal use.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The designation documents broad commercial and residential conversion, not the identity or hours of every current occupier.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Old County Building, LB36300 — Current designation status, mapped location, date, fabric and architectural or archaeological interest.
- Trove designation: LB36300 — Parallel national record identity and archival context.
Location
OS grid reference NO 11959 02115 · Location confidence: High: the current national designation supplies an exact mapped National Grid Reference; public text separately states access and current-use uncertainty. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
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