Stonehaven Tolbooth

Stonehaven Tolbooth is a rectangular stone structure standing at the harbor front with crow-stepped gables and narrow arrow slits on its south wall. The building houses exhibits on local history and life in this Scottish harbor town.

Built around 1553 under George Keith, 5th Earl Marischal, it first served as a warehouse during construction of nearby Dunnottar Castle. The structure later became a prison and civic building for the town.

The ground floor displays objects connected to maritime life and the town's heritage, including prison items and local artifacts. These pieces show how people lived and worked in this fishing community.

The venue has limited opening hours that change with the seasons, with reduced access in winter months. It is best to check ahead before visiting, particularly if you plan to come outside the main season.

Three Episcopalian ministers were imprisoned here in the mid-1700s for holding services with more than nine attendees. This case reveals the religious tensions that existed in Scotland at that time.

Location: Aberdeenshire

Address: Old Pier, The Harbour, Stonehaven AB39 2JU

Opening Hours: October-March: Saturday,Sunday 12:30-15:30; April-September: Wednesday-Monday 13:30-16:30

GPS coordinates: 56.96078,-2.20208

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:04