Tolbooth Museum, Stonehaven

Aberdeenshire

In Person

Overlooking Stonehaven’s historic harbour, the Tolbooth is the oldest surviving building in the town and one of its most important landmarks. This Category A Listed building dates from the late 16th century and was originally constructed as a storehouse for George Keith, 5th Earl Marischal, during the development of nearby Dunnottar Castle. Around 1600, it became Stonehaven’s Tolbooth, serving as the town’s courthouse and prison for more than 150 years.

The building retains much of its historic character, including its distinctive crow-stepped gables and stone-built form overlooking the old harbour. Historic Environment Scotland recognises it as the oldest surviving building in Stonehaven and an important reminder of the town’s civic and judicial history.

Today, the ground floor houses the Tolbooth Museum, where visitors can discover Stonehaven’s rich heritage through a variety of fascinating displays. Exhibits explore local history, geology, archaeology and everyday life, bringing to life the people, places and events that have shaped the town over the centuries.

Among the highlights are displays on the founding of the Scottish colony in New Brunswick, local domestic life, historic photographs, geology collections and a model of the earliest known air-breathing animal, discovered nearby at Cowie. The museum also houses one of the few permanent displays of Scottish agates in the country. Visitors can even step inside a recreated prison cell and experience a glimpse of the building's former role as a place of confinement.

Activities:

• View exhibits on local history, geology and archaeology
• Step inside a recreated prison cell
• See the museum's permanent display of Scottish agates
• Children's dinosaur hunt

Visitor Information:

• No booking required

Please note: The first floor is occupied by the Tolbooth Restaurant and is not part of the Doors Open Days programme

Facilities

• Parking
• Not Accessible

Gallery