In April 1703, having received a sum of 20,000 merks from the sale of the Tracks of Customs and Foreign Excise, the magistrates of Dumfries resolved that “the toun is not at present provided with sufficient prisones, whereby several malefactors guilty of great crimes, and others for debt, have made their escape, to the dishonour and iminent perill of the Burgh”.

Liverpool’s John Moffat was employed to design the Steeple and in 1705 Tobias Bachop of Alloa, began the build which was completed in two years. Having undergone extensive restoration work, the Midsteeple now provides an arts information hub for the Town which hosts regular events and exhibitions.

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