Crowsteps, turrets and a great round tower give Rhind’s working courthouse the fortified authority of nineteenth-century civic Baronial design.
Quick facts
- Date
- 1868–70
- Architect / designer
- David Rhind
- Type
- Scots Baronial courthouse
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB43747)
- OS grid reference
- NT 46915 28624
Architecture, archaeology and continuing use
Rough-faced sandstone, crowstepped gables, conical corner turrets and narrow openings form an asymmetrical composition. A tall round tower with a pierced parapet dominates the rear and reinforces the building’s deliberately defensive character.
Its story
The courthouse was designed after legislation encouraged purpose-built sheriff courts and opened in 1870. It replaced courtroom functions in the Town House and continues to serve the Lothian and Borders sheriffdom.
Why it is included
A major architect, exceptional Baronial detailing and uninterrupted legal purpose make this one of Selkirk’s most significant civic buildings.
What to notice
- Crowstepped gables and rope-moulded entrance.
- Pepper-pot corner turrets.
- Tall round tower with pierced parapet.
Reading the surroundings
This is an operational court with security procedures, not a sightseeing venue. Enter only for court business or authorised access, follow staff instructions and never photograph proceedings, security areas or court users.
Timeline
- 1868 David Rhind prepared the purpose-built courthouse design.
- 1870 The new building opened and assumed Selkirk’s sheriff-court business.
- 2015 A national court-house review revised the statutory listing record.
- 2026 The court remains operational with a resident sheriff and public office hours.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
Court schedules, entry controls and facilities can change; the Scottish Courts page should be checked before attendance.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Selkirk Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court, LB43747 — Designation status, mapped location, date, fabric and architectural or archaeological interest.
- Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service: Selkirk Sheriff Court — Current legal function, address, opening hours and court history.
Location
OS grid reference NT 46915 28624 · Location confidence: High: the national designation supplies an official mapped National Grid Reference; the independent source confirms the Place relationship, history or current identity. · 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.
Suggest a marker correction
Suggest a more accurate position
The teal marker is the current published position. The orange marker starts slightly to its right so both remain visible; this is only a visual starting position. Tap the correct place on the map or drag the orange marker. Sending this form creates a private review entry only; it does not move the published marker.
Check this area in Google Maps Choose the Satellite layer there if useful.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors. You can also enter checked coordinates below.