[2] The steeple was erected by public subscription in the High Street, a short distance to the west of the tolbooth.

It was designed by James Rhind in the Scottish medieval style, built in rubble masonry and was completed in 1790.

[1] The building, which was augmented by new blocks to the east and south and became known as the "Town House", served as a meeting place for the burgh council.

[3] A barometer was installed in the second stage in 1852 and the mercat cross was moved to its present location, in front of the door to the steeple in 1864.

[4] However, the town house was in the "Auld Toon" part of Stonehaven and, in the 19th century the focus of development moved north of the Carron Water to what became known as the "New Town": the market buildings were built on the west side of Allardice Street and completed in 1827.