Bidding to conserve Musselburgh Old Town Hall and Tolbooth for future generations

Led by the Musselburgh Museum and Heritage Group, the project will involve restoration of the town centre building, dubbed “the jewel in Musselburgh’s crown”, to bring its upper floors back into new use.

Chairman Alister Hadden said: “Our trustees are endeavouring to ensure that this icon of Musselburgh is conserved and improved for use by all.”

Tolbooths were the centre of local administration and justice in Scottish burghs from the medieval period until the 19th century.

The complex of buildings is owned by the Musselburgh Common Good Fund but looked after by East Lothian Council.

The building is in three parts: the Tolbooth, which is the High Street frontage, originally dates from the late 15th century, though, except for the clock tower, it was destroyed in 1544 and rebuilt in 1572. It has been a court, a jail and a police station.

The Old Town Hall fronting the square dates from 1733 and has been a court room and a meeting place for the town council with a market area beneath. The Assembly Hall to the rear of the Town Hall was built in 1901 and was the forerunner of the Brunton Hall.

Architect Paul Lambie, a former Musselburgh resident, and Barry Turner, a former East Lothian Councillor and member of the Musselburgh Area Partnership, are the trustees who are spearheading the project.

Although now living in Pencaitland, Mr Lambie, whose office was next to the Town Hall, has retained a strong interest in the Honest Toun and admits the plan has become a “crusade” for him.

He fears the status quo is not an option for the Town Hall and Tolbooth, one of the oldest in Scotland, which is at the “entrance to Musselburgh” and listed ‘A’ by Historic Scotland.

He said: “Such an important building should not be allowed to decay and fall to bits. The idea of restoring the building and bringing the upper floors back into use was around for many years but nobody knew if the work could be done and how much it would cost.”

Architect Richard Shorter and a team of historic building specialists were commissioned to carry out an options appraisal after £11,000 in funding was received from the Musselburgh Common Good Fund.

Mr Lambie said: “It presents a very strong case for preserving the building as a unique-in-Scotland group of three different periods in one group, all of significant historical and architectural importance. The survey of the internal and external fabric for repairs and future maintenance work is well advanced, having been delayed by an absence of records.

“Solutions to access, including disabled access to all levels and escape from fire, are well advanced. The professional team is now working on these, involved in the discussion process with council officials regarding access to the rear of the building.”

Mr Shorter, in the draft options appraisal, said there were “persistent” roof leaks from the gutters and a “chronic problem” of water penetration from the parapet-walk.

The tower masonry was “deteriorating significantly”. He branded the interior decor “tired and in some cases shabby”. The toilet and kitchen facilities were “poor and outdated”.

Mr Shorter added: “As the centre of Musselburgh life for 250 years, the buildings have great significance locally and will still form the setting for social events, as well as a cafe and restaurant.”

The final report is nearing completion and the preferred option will be presented to councillors and council officials. The museum and heritage group’s aim is to make a joint bid with the council for major funding for the work to “reinvigorate” the building.

When the design options are approved, they will be presented for public consultation which will include an open day at the Town Hall and Tolbooth. Mr Lambie said: “The community will be encouraged to comment on the proposals on display, and to make suggestions for future uses of the accommodation – a crucial part of the project and essential for Heritage Lottery and other grant applications.

“When the final design option is chosen, it will need to be supported by a business plan, expected to be prepared or on behalf of East Lothian Council.

“This building is the most important historic structure in Musselburgh and unique in Scotland. We hope as many people as possible will attend the open day to ensure that the town’s heritage is restored and used once more. I would like to emphasise our gratitude to the six Musselburgh councillors, who are trustees of the Musselburgh Common Good Fund, for providing the funding of the options appraisal.”

Ex-councillor Barry Turner: “It is the jewel in Musselburgh’s crown and needs to be brought back to its former glory. We have something very special here and so every effort should be made to preserve and make good use of it.”