[4] The construction of the new townhouse and steeple, as well as the three new houses, was undertaken by local builders, Denham, Davidson and McWhinnie, at a cost £1,633 and was completed in 1827.

[5][6] The design involved a two-storey townhouse and adjacent four-stage steeple facing onto Knockcushan Street.

[3] The bell for the belfry was cast by Stephen Miller & Co of Glasgow[7] and the clock was presented by Sir John Hamilton-Dalrymple, 5th Baronet.

[3] In 1908, the townhouse demolished to make way for the McMaster Hall, of which construction began in 1909 and took two years to complete, before it opened on 17 August 1911.

[3][9] The burgh council was subsequently based at 17 Dalrymple Street[10] (now occupied by a Bank of Scotland Branch).