[5] The hall was then re-modelled by Archibald Simpson in the neoclassical style in 1829 but, after the masonic lodge which had commissioned it got into financial difficulties in the mid-19th century, it was acquired by the local mechanics institute in 1855.

[5] The design involved a symmetrical main frontage with three bays facing onto the High Street; the central bay, which slightly projected forward, featured a doorway with a fanlight on the ground floor flanked by pairs of Doric order columns supporting an entablature with triglyphs.

There was Venetian window on the first floor flanked by pairs of Ionic order columns supporting an entablature inscribed with the words "Mechanics' Institute".

[5] After the war the building reverted to municipal use but also continued to be used as an events venue: the rock band, the Silver Beatles, performed at the town hall during a tour of Scotland as the backing group for the pop singer Johnny Gentle in May 1960.

[7] The building ceased to be local seat of government when the enlarged Moray District Council was formed in 1975.