The Old Courthouse

The Old Courthouse is formed from a series of ‘Category B’ listed buildings that formerly housed Argyll and Bute Council offices and the regional Sheriff Court. A combination of refurbishment, restoration, remodeling and new build has been used to provide 25 new homes for first time buyer, shared equity sale in the centre of Rothesay. The sensitive site is located within Rothesay’s conservation area and adjacent to the 13th century circular castle, a scheduled monument.

The design retains the sculptural mid-nineteenth century ashlar stone facades and rearranges the plan of the building around a new courtyard; a simple shift that provides efficient circulation and a series of calm external spaces within the busy town centre.

The overall achievement is down in large part to a strong and ambitious client, skilled design team and a cooperative and capable contractor and their sub-contractors.