[2] However, in the late-19th century, court officials decided that a dedicated courthouse was needed: the site they chose was on the west side of George Street.

[3] The building was designed by John McKissack and Son in the Renaissance Revival style, built in Whinstone rubble masonry and was completed in 1900.

There was a prominent mullioned and transomed stained glass window on the first floor, which was flanked by Ionic order pilasters supporting a cornice, and surmounted by a pediment containing the burgh coat of arms.

After a US depot ship arrived there in February 1961, a large number of demonstrators were arrested,[5] and, by October 1961, some 321 protestors had appeared before Dunoon Sheriff Court: the vast majority were found guilty and fined.

[6] Then, in June 1967, the court was the venue for the opening stages of the trial of the East German spy, Peter Dorschel, who was accused of selling information relating to naval movements at the base to the Soviet Union.