Red and buff sandstone, crowsteps and a bell tower give Stranraer’s working court an unusually vivid Flemish Gothic silhouette.
Quick facts
- Date
- Built 1871–1874; remodelled 1882 with later additions
- Architect / designer
- Thomas Brown and James Maitland Wardrop
- Type
- Flemish Gothic court house with tower, courtrooms, cells and war memorial
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB41785)
- OS grid reference
- NX 05989 60657
Architecture and continuing use
A three-bay front combines pointed openings, crowstepped gables, gargoyles and a four-stage tower. Inside, the open-well stair, two courtrooms, timber benches and surviving cells retain evidence of legal and custodial functions.
Its story
Brown and Wardrop designed the court after the 1860 legislation that stimulated new court buildings. An 1882 remodelling adapted the rear prison and county-hall areas, with later wartime and public-service changes.
Why it is included
The building remains in its judicial use and records a major national phase of court-house construction in a distinctive local townscape.
What to notice
- Contrasting red Galashiels and buff Hexham stone.
- Crowstepped gables, gargoyles and crocketed finials.
- War memorial and gatepiers forming the street setting.
Reading the surroundings
This is a working court. Attend only for legitimate court business, follow security instructions and never photograph where prohibited.
Timeline
- Built 1871–1874 Brown and Wardrop designed the court after the 1860 legislation that stimulated new court buildings. An 1882 remodelling adapted the rear prison and county-hall areas, with later wartime and public-service changes.
- Present Operating sheriff and justice of the peace court.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
Court sittings, counter hours and security arrangements can change; check the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Stranraer Sheriff Court, LB41785 — Designation status, mapped location, construction phases, fabric, authorship and architectural or historical interest.
- Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service: Stranraer — Current judicial use, address, opening, contact, access and security information.
Location
OS grid reference NX 05989 60657 · Location confidence: High: the statutory designation supplies an official mapped National Grid Reference and the current source confirms the Place relationship or present 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.