[1] The building was commissioned by Captain Alexander Mitchell-Innes,[2] who, in 1839, had inherited a large country estate, which had originally been amassed by a former Deputy Governor of the Royal Bank of Scotland, Gilbert Innes.

[3] The foundation stone for the new building was laid with full masonic rites, with Mitchell-Innes presiding as acting grand master, on 21 February 1854.

[4] It was designed in the Scottish baronial style, built in rubble masonry with ashlar stone dressings and was completed in 1857.

Above the windows, there was a machicolated parapet, three water spouts shaped to resemble cannons, a central gablet and a fleur-de-lis finial.

[1] Mitchell-Innes continued to develop the town and commissioned the Church of St Mary of Wedale in 1876.