Tolbooth, High Street, Sanquhar

The Tolbooth, located on High Street in Sanquhar, is a Baroque building designed by William Adam, with construction beginning in 1735, as indicated by an inscription dated 1735, and further alterations made around 1910. This two-storey structure features five bays, with the central three bays of the eastern elevation slightly projecting. The elevation is topped with a pediment that has an octagonal belfry on a massive square base, complete with a leaded bell-cast roof and a weathervane finial.

The building showcases openings framed in lugged and key-stoned architraves, and it has rusticated quoins. The eastern elevation is constructed of ashlar stone, while the rest of the building is made of rubble, all of which is painted. A double central forestair leads to the eastern entrance, with steps that were renewed in red ashlar and a cast-iron balustrade added in 1857. Beneath the staircase is a pend that is barrel vaulted, with a door to the first floor above and outer doors at ground level. The pediment features an oculus with uncarved blocks, and there is a clock positioned above in the first stage of the belfry. The building has small-paned windows, with two bays on the flanks and an additional window inserted on the southern side. Other architectural details include an eaves course, a cornice, two large ridge stacks, and a steep-pitched piended slate roof.

Inside, the first floor has an octagonal vestibule with shell-hooded niches, as well as an original iron-studded cell door and lock.