[1] The first judicial building in Kirkwall was the old town hall in the grounds of the St Magnus Cathedral which was erected with a grant from James Douglas, 14th Earl of Morton in 1745.

It was designed by David Bryce in the Scottish baronial style, built in coursed sandstone at a cost of £3,900 and was officially opened on 27 August 1877.

[4][5] David Bryce died in 1876 and execution of the design was overseen by his nephew, John, who worked with him in later life.

The second bay on the left, which was slightly projected forward, featured a doorway with a moulded surround and a panel above; there was sash window on the first floor with a corbeled and crow stepped gable above.

[7] Internally, the principal room was the courtroom which featured the royal arms of Scotland carved in wood and mounted on a navy blue oblong panel.