The Carnegie Courthouse

Project Description

Dornoch Sheriff Courthouse which is listed category ‘B’ was constructed from 1849 – 50 and is the former Dornoch County Buildings and Courthouse. It is located in the main town square opposite the cathedral. The building is an important example of a mid-19th century courthouse designed in the Gothic Tudor style by well-known architect Thomas Brown II. It marks a period of transformation of the Scottish legal system in which civic and administrative functions were separated from penal functions.

The building is constructed in high quality materials, and is a 2 storey – 3 bay roughly rectangular plan. It has a distinctive symmetrical principal elevation with ground floor loggia and first floor lancet windows under gableted dormers. It is part of a pair of historical judicial buildings with the adjacent jail (1842 – 44) also by Thomas Brown.

The building had been well maintained by the Scottish Courts Service between the date it was marketed for sale along with another 9 courthouses, in 2013 and the end of 2015.

Mr Todd Warnock initially leased the property in 2016 during which time he undertook the conversion work and he then bought the building in 2017.

At the commencement of the project, the Courthouse retained its features as a working court house, i.e. it had a court room at first floor level with public seating, a raised bench for the Sheriff, Sheriff’s chambers, witnesses offices, secure vault, holding cell and ancillary functions. At the front right side of the building at ground floor level, Highland Council operated a Service Point from two rooms.

The project sought to create the following accommodation:

1. Enhanced Service Point from the same location. Improved visual communication by introduction of a glazed screen and revised plan layout. Renovation and re-decoration.

2. A Whisky Cellars opposite the Service Point. A glazed screen which mirrored that of the Service Point, renovation and remodelling of the layout to provide a retail shop with purpose made joinery utilising waste material from distilleries. A purpose designed tasting room with display cabinetry and tasting table/stools reusing the secure vault.

3. Public access to first floor by introduction of a lift.

4. Accommodation at ground and first floor level for a spa utilising remodelled offices and removing the holding cell.

5. Remodelling of the courtroom and Sheriff’s chambers to provide a delicatessen, commercial kitchen, storage.

6. Public washrooms including new disabled WC.

7. Office area for Deli owner, utilising the separately accessed courtroom mezzanine gallery.

8. Conversion of witness rooms to form Health Spa.

9. Re-landscaping rear garden to provide outdoor picnic area with public access.

The work was carried out between January 2016 and June 2016 using a local general Contractor.

A prominent feature in the new delicatessen is a mural commissioned by Mr Warnock celebrating citizens who have played a significant part in Dornoch’s history over the centuries.