Dumfries Sheriff Court

David Rhind, 1863-1866; some internal alterations, 1991-1994. Large asymmetrical Scots Baronial court house. 1991-1994 extension to rear (southeast) elevation not considered of special interest in listing terms. Predominantly 3-storey main elevation to street with railed basement. Bull-faced red ashlar with polished dressings, moulded reveals, stepped corbel tables between floors, corbelled turrets and bartizans all with conical copper roofs.

Buccleuch Street (principal) elevation consists of an off-centre to right entrance range with a corbelled and pierced parapet, round-headed doorway with cable moulding and a large corbelled turret above with spouts. To the right of this entrance range is a deeply recessed range and raised a storey higher, also with similar parapet. The top floor windows of the 2 bays to the left of the entrance range break eaves and have pedimented dormer heads. Some crowstepped gables and slated roofs.

Predominantly 4-pane glazing in timber sash and case windows. Grey slates. Wallhead stacks. Cast iron downpipes.

The interior, seen in 2014, has some 1860s woodwork, elaborate ceiling and cornice plasterwork to most rooms and hallways, with some alterations dating to the 1990s. The original room layout has been slightly modified, but much of the 1863-1866 plan remains. There is an open well staircase with decorative iron barley sugar balusters and timber handrail. The main courtroom has an elaborate ribbed and coffered ceiling, consoled cornices to windows and a timber gallery with clock and panelled front. Public seating and other fittings, including the access hatch from the basement cells to the dock, replaced in the 1990s.

Parapeted entrance way oversailing basement area. Spiked cast iron railings, with square red ashlar pyramidal entrance and terminal piers.