Selkirk Public Library
1803 with later additions and alterations, particularly 1888. 3-storey 6-bay fortified building (former jail) with later Baronial style alterations. Pebbledash with ashlar dressings (red sandstone to later Baronial style alterations), some rendered. Corbelled string course between 2nd and low jettied 3rd storeys; slightly advanced long and short quoins; tails to most windows. Asymmetrically grouped 1-4-1. Large gap between 1st and 2nd floors of 4-bay group; segmental-arched small windows to each bay at 2nd floor. Window at ground and 1st floor of each bay of 4-bay group, except blank at ground of bay to outer left and corbelled red sandstone canted window at 1st floor of bay to outer right. 3-storey (different disposition to 4-bay group), single bay group to right with window at 1st and 2nd floors. 2-storey, single bay group to outer left with red sandstone dressings including coping. Bipartite window at 1st floor; corbelled turret breaking height of eaves to outer left.
The building was erected to replace the Tolbooth as a Jail. In 1884 it ceased to be used as such and was offered to Selkirk Town Council. It was restored and presented to the town by Thomas Craig-Brown in 1888 as a library and reading room. According to B Holton and Strang, there is still a subterranean passageway to the Sheriff Court opposite, through which the prisoners were taken. In 1845, the prison was regarded as being "not well secured", as 2 of 7 prisoners had managed to escape that year and prisoners would frequently leave in the evening, returning for when the jailer came in the morning!
Selkirk Public Library
1803 with later additions and alterations, particularly 1888. 3-storey 6-bay fortified building (former jail) with later Baronial style alterations. Pebbledash with ashlar dressings (red sandstone to later Baronial style alterations), some rendered. Corbelled string course between 2nd and low jettied 3rd storeys; slightly advanced long and short quoins; tails to most windows. Asymmetrically grouped 1-4-1. Large gap between 1st and 2nd floors of 4-bay group; segmental-arched small windows to each bay at 2nd floor. Window at ground and 1st floor of each bay of 4-bay group, except blank at ground of bay to outer left and corbelled red sandstone canted window at 1st floor of bay to outer right. 3-storey (different disposition to 4-bay group), single bay group to right with window at 1st and 2nd floors. 2-storey, single bay group to outer left with red sandstone dressings including coping. Bipartite window at 1st floor; corbelled turret breaking height of eaves to outer left.
The building was erected to replace the Tolbooth as a Jail. In 1884 it ceased to be used as such and was offered to Selkirk Town Council. It was restored and presented to the town by Thomas Craig-Brown in 1888 as a library and reading room. According to B Holton and Strang, there is still a subterranean passageway to the Sheriff Court opposite, through which the prisoners were taken. In 1845, the prison was regarded as being "not well secured", as 2 of 7 prisoners had managed to escape that year and prisoners would frequently leave in the evening, returning for when the jailer came in the morning!