IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
High Street, MONTROSE, DD10 8QW

A through route for the unmotorised via Churchyard Walk.

The photo shows Montrose Guildhall as seen from the High Street looking south. In 1760, the rumour of a proposed new townhouse or Guildhall in Montrose became a reality when a committee headed by Provost James Bisset decided that the garden area of Patrick Scott’s property called ‘Scott’s Land’ was the most suitable place on which to build. Patrick Scott opposed the proposal to the extent that he threatened the Council with an interdict, and a bill of suspension was called into force. Despite Scott’s vehement opposition, the Guildhall was completed in 1764.

Off the High Street.

Montrose Guildhall or Town House, locally known as the ‘Ba Hoose’, was partially built on land which was formerly part of the graveyard of the nearby Old Parish Church. In consequence of that, the building incorporates a crypt or vaulted, stone chamber containing old graves. In 1999, a survey was followed by a limited archaeological investigation relating to the contents of the vault which included two table tombs, two horizontal gravestones and four commemorative plaques. With the exception of one horizontal gravestone, all predated the creation of the vault. When the ‘Ba Hoose’ is viewed from the north side of the High Street, it may appear that it is physically connected to the Old Parish Church but this photo, taken looking west, shows the area of separation between the two buildings. With the photo being taken on a sunny morning, there are marked contrasts of light and shadow between areas of bright sunshine, such as the paved passageway between the ‘Ba Hoose’ and the Old Parish Church, and areas of dark shadow such as the crypt below the ‘Ba Hoose’.

Re-crafted as a charity collection box for the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society, and erected by Montrose Guild Hall.

This imposing building was built in 1763 as two storeys and raised to its present three storeys in 1818. Listed, category A, details are at: http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/sc-38083-high-street-town-house-#.V5G84TU5t8E The magnificent tower and spire of Old Church and St Andrews stands behind.