Tolbooth Kirkcudbright Dumfries and Galloway UK - Retired Prisons on Waymarking.com

The Tolbooth Art Centre nowadays provides visitors with an introduction to the story of the town's artists' colony.

The town's historic Tolbooth, which dates back to 1629 and which formerly combined the functions of Town Hall, Courthouse and criminal and debtor’s Prison. The top floor of the Tolbooth, formerly the debtor’s prison is now used as a gallery for ever changing contemporary art and craft exhibitions.

One of its most famous prisoners was John Paul Jones (visit link) hero of the American navy. John Paul Jones was accused of the death of a ship's carpenter in Kirkcudbright in 1770. He was imprisoned here but later released on bail. He then returned to America and became a national hero for the part he played in the Revolutionary War.

Also whilst Edward I. remained at Maclellan castle in Kirkcudbright, the king would allow no communication with France, except from selected ports, of which Kirkcudbright was one, and the privilege was guarded with such jealousy, that any person wishing to leave the country with sealed letters, or was suspected of carrying such messages abroad, was ordered to be kept in the prison till the King’s pleasure was known regarding him.

The Tolbooth now provides gallery accommodation for the best of the Museum Service's painting collection including works by S.J. Peploe, Charles Oppenheimer, Jessie M. King, Lena Alexander, Robert Sivell and many more.

Opened by H.M. The Queen in 1993, the Art Centre has already won a 'Thistle Award' for Tourism from the Scottish Tourist Board.

Friendly café serving fresh coffee, teas and locally produced cakes and biscuits. Gift shop, retailing artists’ prints, paintings, crafts, art books and reproductions.

Open all year, Monday to Saturday, 11 - 4pm.
Also Sundays in June to September inclusive, 2 - 5pm.
There are no admission charges

Tolbooth
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Address: High Street Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway Scotland DG6 4JL Open to the public: Yes Hours: All year, Monday to Saturday, 11 - 4pm. Also Sundays in June to September inclusive, 2 - 5pm Fees?: free entry Web link: Not listed

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