Lerwick, King Erik Street, County Buldings, architectural structure in Shetland Islands, Scotland, UK
The County Buildings on King Erik Street is a Category B listed structure built in 1875 in Scottish baronial style. The ashlar stone edifice features asymmetrical stepped gables and sash windows, with four bays facing the street where the central pair projects slightly forward.
Lerwick's original medieval tollbooth deteriorated over time, prompting construction of a replacement around 1770. When that structure no longer met the town's needs, the County Buildings opened in 1875 to consolidate the courthouse, police station, and prison under one roof.
The County Buildings stand on King Erik Street, a thoroughfare that runs through the heart of Lerwick's civic life. The structure reflects how public administrative buildings served as gathering places where residents conducted official business and legal matters.
The building sits centrally on King Erik Street and is easy to reach on foot from other town attractions. Visitors can observe the classical stonework and architectural details from the street, though the structure remains an active courthouse and may have limited interior access.
Designed by architect David Rhind and completed in 1875, the building later became the headquarters of the Zetland County Council around 1890. Its construction responded to documented complaints about poor prison conditions in previous buildings reported by inspectors in the 1830s.
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