[1] The building was commissioned by Orwell Parish Council as a cattle exchange for local farmers and as a market house for the parishioners.

[2] The site that the parish council chose for the building, on the north side of New Road, straddled a stream, the "Back Burn".

[1] The architectural historian, John Gifford, has suggested that "its 17th century-style steeple and its dominant central position" were indicative of the parish council's desire for Milnathort "to be thought a burgh".

The building, which was laid out as rectangular block, was fenestrated with sash windows on both floors with a pediment over the central three bays.

[2] The refurbishment also enabled an offshoot of the management committee, Milnathort Filmhouse,[10] to resume showing films in the main assembly hall.