Kirkcudbright Tolbooth and Art Gallery

This beautiful building was originally built around 1625-1629 as Kirkcudbright’s Tolbooth, when it was used as a Town Council meeting place and office, Burgh and Sheriff Court, and the Criminal and Debtor’s prison. One of the most famous prisoners was Captain John Paul, later known as John Paul Jones, hero of the American Navy. This grade A listed building retains many of the original features inside and outside including original stonework and doorways, the clocktower, the cell gate hinges and a set of jougs (or a prisoner’s metal collar) fixed to the outside wall. In modern times it is famous as a location for the filming of the cult classic ‘The Wicker Man’. The top floor tells the story of the Tolbooth itself, the first floor offers a gallery showing a range of contemporary art and craft exhibitions by local artists, and a shop with a wide range of gifts and art supplies on the ground floor.