[1] The building was commissioned by the sheriff of Clackmannan, Sir William Menteith, who had previously been required to hold court hearings in the open air and to keep prisoners in his own house.

[2][3] The erection of the tolbooth was authorised by Act of Parliament, and the site he selected was at the west end of Main Street adjacent to the ancient mercat cross.

A clock was installed at the top of tower and the whole structure was surmounted by an ogee-shaped roof and a weather vane.

[6] The building served as the county courthouse for Clackmannanshire and, although very dilapidated by the early 19th century,[7] it continued to operate in that role until hearings were transferred to the old Assembly Rooms in Alloa in 1822.

[8] The main block was subsequently demolished leaving just the clock tower and the stepped gable end standing.