24, 26, 28 Cross, Beith

This is a three-bay, two-storey and attic, napé gabled building dating to the later 18th century, with alterations made in the early 19th century. It was restored in 2003 and forms the centrepiece of a group of five buildings at The Cross in Beith, which collectively benefited from the Townscape Heritage Initiative in 2003. The restoration used traditional materials and techniques. The building’s form and low wallhead suggest an early date for this building type within the town.

The front of the building features a recessed central doorway with an early 19th-century Tuscan columned doorpiece and entablature, flanked by further doors, and large shopfronts (originally enlarged windows) on the left and right. The first floor has three windows, while the napé gable features two small windows, angle pilasters, scrolled skewputs, and a stack at the apex. A late 19th-century piended dormer is located on the right side. The building is harled with sandstone margins, an eaves course, and a moulded eaves cornice.

The rear elevation presents two storeys and three bays with a central gabled stair tower and irregular window placement.

The windows are traditional timber sash and case replacements with 12 panes downstairs and 4 panes in the napé gable windows, and 2 panes in the dormer. The roof is covered in grey slates with a stone ridge and circular clay cans. Cast-iron rainwater goods are present.

The interior was refurbished in 2003 and contains no original fabric.

The building is located in a prominent position adjacent to the Auld Kirk and burial ground (both separately listed) and acts as a strong focal point in the town. It was marked on the first edition Ordnance Survey map of 1858.