The following article was published by Eddie McRorie on 11th May 2025 on the Johnstone History Facebook page and is reproduced here with his kind permission.

New Johnstone Municipal Building (Collier Street)

There was a heated altercation at a meeting of the Johnstone Police Commissioners in 1885 regarding whether to expand the existing building or construct a new, purpose-built facility at another site.

It was proposed that an adequate number of well-proportioned rooms should be provided, sufficient for all municipal and police duties, and including jail cells. A proposal was put forward to purchase land for approximately £800 and erect a new building — in keeping with the importance of an enterprising town such as Johnstone — at a cost of about £4,000. The new structure was intended to meet all of Johnstone’s municipal needs for the next fifty years.

The meeting concluded without a final decision but agreed to consider the proposals further at a future session.

Eventually, a decision was made to proceed with a new build at a site located at 7 Collier Street. The main entrance was positioned at the centre of the structure, with separate entrances provided for the Superintendent’s residence above and the court hall at the rear. In the basement were spacious rooms for the Captain of Police, along with a charge room. At the rear, but still under the same roof, were five cells — including one double cell.

On the upper floor, the court-room was situated, notable for its fine appearance. A valuable portrait of the late Sir William Napier, Baronet of Milliken, was hung on one wall. Adjoining the courtroom were a magistrate’s room, tastefully furnished, and a witness room.

The entire building was heated by an efficient system installed by Messrs J & W Weems of Perseverance Ironworks.

The façade featured a polished slate bearing a sculpted representation of the town’s industries. A facsimile of this artwork was also placed on the interior gable wall of the courtroom.

Additionally, there was a fire brigade house, and the jail cells were built to be fireproof. Two ornate lamps, inscribed with the municipal arms, were erected at the entrance to the chambers.

The new Municipal Building officially opened in 1887.

The architect selected was Charles Davidson, who had moved from Edinburgh to Paisley in 1875 to work on commissions for the National Bank and Bank of Scotland on St Mirren Street. In 1879–1880, he had built five police buildings in other areas, giving him specialist experience relevant to the new Municipal Building at 7 Collier Street, which included a police station.

Building Costs:

• Main Contractor: John Keanie, Lochwinnoch – £875 0s 6d

• Joiner Work: Donald McPherson & Son – £446 14s 7d

• Plumber Work: James Taylor, Johnstone – £152 15s 7d

• Slater Work: Alexander Reid & Son, Johnstone – £29 14s 7d

• Plaster Work: Peter McKay & Sons, Houston – £68 9s 2d

• Painter Work: D. Murray & Son, Paisley – £35 8s

• Heating System: J & W Weems, Johnstone – £31 10s

• Granolithic Brick Work: Completed by D. F. Herbertson

Definition of granolithic:
Relating to or composed of a mixture of crushed granite and cement.

The total cost was estimated at around £1,900.

— Eddie McRorie