Renovation of former jail

Sanquhar Tolbooth, which was built nearly three centuries ago, is a category A-listed building which now operates as a museum. However, some of its stonework is in a “state of disrepair” due to the improper application of cement mortar and slurry over the surface of the stone. Dumfries and Galloway Council now intends on carrying out work to prevent the condition of the building deteriorating any further. The local authority’s property and estates department has lodged an application with planning colleagues for permission to carry out the repairs, due to its historical significance. The tolbooth was designed by William Adam and has been described as “the most historically significant building in the area”. Built from sandstone, there have been several attempts to repair its stonework, and in 1958 a grinding disc was used to remove paint and caused “substantial damage”. It was followed, at a later date, by “the most problematic remediation method” when cement mortar was used to repoint parts of the building. If listed building consent is granted, as expected by the planning department, then repointing and replacement of some stonework would go ahead, along with the removal of lead fixings and the cleaning of a flagpole in order to prevent any further damage. The Scottish Lime Centre Trust, a charity which champions the repair of Scotland’s traditional and historic buildings, prepared a report on Sanquhar Tolbooth. The organisation described the building as “a distinguished example of 18th century Scottish civic architecture”, and provided guidelines around how to carefully carry out repointing and repair works. The report states: “Constructed in 1739, the building was designed by the renowned architect William Adam and originally served as a tolbooth—a multifunctional municipal building that typically housed a town hall, courthouse, and jail. It is now a Category A listed building, recognised for its national architectural and historical significance. “Architecturally, the Tolbooth is a fine example of the Baroque style, featuring a symmetrical five-bay facade and a central double forestair leading to the first-floor entrance. “The building is notable for its use of stone salvaged from the nearby Sanquhar Castle, a choice that reflects both practical reuse and a symbolic link to the town’s medieval heritage. “The structure includes sash windows with decorative architraves and keystones and is crowned by a distinctive clock tower with an octagonal belfry and ogive-shaped dome. “Internally, the ground floor originally housed prison cells, while the upper floor contained a council chamber, an octagonal vestibule, and reception rooms. “Over time, the building underwent several modifications, including the addition of cast iron railings in 1857 and the installation of the Crichton family coat of arms in the 1950s. “In 1989, the building was repurposed as the Sanquhar Tolbooth Museum. Today, it serves as a local heritage centre, showcasing the town’s rich history in knitting and mining.”