The Tolbooth - Stirling Council Culture Team Venue

Stirling

Named Scotland’s Venue of the Year multiple times, Tolbooth Stirling is at the forefront of Scotland’s live music and cultural scene – a place where exceptional talent meets unforgettable experience. From a year-round programme of music, film, comedy, visual arts, talks, and more, to a cafe bar celebrating the finest local food and drink produce, and even a recording studio – this is a place where you can experience unforgettable days and nights in the heart of Stirling.

This Category A Listed building dates from the early 1700s and is an exceptionally good example of a burgh tolbooth. It has been a municipal centre, courthouse, jail, workhouse and army recruitment centre. Although converted 200 years after its construction, it retains substantial 18th and 19th century interior decoration. It is now a thriving arts and music venue.

Visitors are welcome to come in and wander around the public areas of this Category A Listed building. The Tolbooth has stood at the heart of Stirling’s Old Town for centuries and is one of the city’s most historic landmarks. Located on Broad Street — once the most important street in Stirling — our venue was a key centre of commercial and civic life from the 15th century, where taxes were collected and markets thrived. Later, a courthouse and a prison and providing many other community gathering spaces, the Tolbooth fell into disrepair and underwent a major redevelopment in 2000-2001, carried out by Richard Murphy Architects. Many historic features were uncovered, including a hidden staircase that once allowed jurors to enter the courtroom discreetly. This space is now the Tolbooth’s main auditorium, and visitors can still view the start of the staircase on the ground floor.

 At the start of the 21st century, our vibrant venue found new purpose as a home for arts and cultural activity, hosting artists’ studios, live performances, and creative events, blending historic architecture with contemporary design. This award-winning redevelopment continues the building’s long tradition of evolution, ensuring that the Tolbooth remains at the heart of Stirling’s cultural life.

Facilities

• Limited Access
• Disabled WC
• WC
• Disabled Access

Additional Access Information

Lift to all floors – flat floor access to Level 1 and Level 3 only