The Tolbooth is Stonehaven's oldest building. It was built in the 16th Century as a storehouse for George the
5th Earl Marischal whilst Dunnottar Castle was being built.
In 1600 it was converted into a Courthouse and Tolbooth. It has held rioters and condemned prisoners.
After the 1745 uprising Episcopalian clergymen were held prisoner at The Tolbooth.
The Court was moved in 1767. Thereafter the building was used as a storehouse by the local fishermen and
merchants.
A Second World War mine exploded in the harbour causing damage to the building. It fell into further dilapidated
state in 1953 after severe storms.
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In 1963 it was officially opened as a Museum by Her Majesty the Queen Mother. The upper floor is a fish restaurant.
On display in the Museum are various historic items such as the Inverberbie stocks, cup marked stone and The Crank which was a punishment
device which was weighted down and had to be turned by prisoners. Tightening the screw would make it harder for
the prisoner. This is why prison guards are called screws,
click here for details.
There are Town Officer and Provost uniforms on display, including the Provost's chain and badge.
Kitchen and household bygone day's items are on display such as a hand powered washing machine, tattie chipper
and spurtle.
The oldest fossil (a Pneumodesmus newmani, an air breathing 1cm animal) found in the UK was found in nearby Cowie by Mike Newman
and a cast replica is on display along with a model as to what the creature would have looked like when alive.
The fossil was found in a layer of sandstone rocks.
Facilities
Admission to the Museum is free and there is wheelchair access. Parking is free and there are nearby public toilets
to the left of the Museum as you walk out.
No photographs are permitted to be taken in the museum.
Opening Times
From June through to October Wednesday - Monday from 1:30 until 4:30 pm.
How To Get To The Tolbooth Museum
Directions:
From Aberdeen head towards the Bridge of Dee and follow the signs for the A90. As you near Stonehaven follow
the signs for the one way slip road. Follow this road through to the town centre and head towards the harbour. It is all
well sign posted. Turn left into the harbour area and pick up the signs for the free parking. You will pass The Tolbooth
and the free parking is at the rear. As you walk to the museum you can see the original prison gates and wall.
Contact Address And Telephone Number
The Tolbooth Museum
The Harbour
Stonehaven
Kincardineshire
Scotland
AB23 2JU
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