The site they chose was donated by the explorer of East Africa and dog breeder, Captain Archibald Edward Butter of the Faskally Estate.

[1][3][4] A significant donation was received from Lieutenant Colonel George Glas Sandeman, owner of a large wine importing business, based at Fonab Castle.

[6] The foundation stone for the new building was laid by Sir Alexander Muir Mackenzie, 3rd Baronet, with full masonic honours on 18 May 1899.

[1] It was designed in the Scottish Renaissance style, built in rubble masonry with sandstone ashlar dressings at a cost of £2,366 and was officially opened in 1900.

[9] The building, which was initially known as Pitlochry Public Hall, was primarily used as an events venue and started showing silent films in 1919.