South Queensferry Tolbooth

The South Queensferry Tolbooth is a sandstone municipal building with a four-stage tower topped by an octagonal belfry, featuring varied window styles across its harled upper sections. The structure originally served dual purposes, housing a weigh house and prison below and an assembly room on the first floor.

The building was constructed around 1630 to serve multiple civic purposes for the growing settlement. It became a central location for local governance and judicial proceedings throughout the 1600s.

In 1643, the building gained notoriety as the site where seven women faced trial for witchcraft, leading to their execution through strangulation and burning.

The building now operates as an events venue where performances and classes take place regularly. Check ahead as opening times vary depending on scheduled activities and programs.

Clock faces were added to the steeple in 1888 to mark Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. A local historian later criticized this modification as an unwanted alteration to the original structure.

Location: City of Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

GPS coordinates: 55.99020,-3.39697

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:47