The earlier section, the tolbooth, was designed in the Scottish medieval style, built in rubble masonry and was completed in the 16th century.

[2][3][4] The design involved a main frontage of a single bay facing Marketgate; there was a doorway with a hood mould on the ground floor; the oculus above the doorway, the upper stages of the structure and the slated pagoda-style bell tower all followed in 1776.

[6][7] An earlier iteration of the town hall section was erected in 1602 and replaced, to a design by John Corstorphine (1759–1826), in 1814.

[8] Internal modifications to the structure, including work to the main doorway, were undertaken by John Currie (1839–1922) of Elie in 1886.

[11] However, the town hall, instead, became the meeting place of the Royal Burgh of Crail and District Community Council.