The building was commissioned as a result of a local initiative to raise money for a burgh hall in 1884. The site chosen by the burgh leaders was open land at the corner of Albert Street and Alexandra Street. The foundation stone for the new building was laid by the Earl of Airlie on 2 September 1886 and a bazaar was held in the local school to celebrate the event. It was designed by Andrew Heiton and his nephew, Andrew Granger Heiton, in the Tudor Revival style, built in red sandstone and was officially opened on 29 April 1887.
