The burgh council converted a mid-18th century building at 5 Bolgam Street for judicial use but was unable to reach agreement with court officials over the annual rent.

[2][3] Court officials decided instead to commission a new building: the site they selected was appropriately placed, close to the old prison on Castlehill.

[4][5][6] The new building was designed by David Cousin in the Gothic Revival style, built by a local contractor, Robert Weir, in rubble masonry and was completed in 1871.

[1] In March 1973, Paul and Linda McCartney appeared in the court, accused of illegal cultivation of cannabis at their property, High Park Farm near Campbeltown: they were both found guilty and were required to pay £100 fines.

[8][9][10] An extensive programme of refurbishment works, involving replacement of the boilers, was completed in 2022,[11] enabling the building to continue to serve as the venue for sheriff court hearings in the area.