Inverkeithing's charter to become a royal burgh was granted in the late 12th century, and it is likely that the present Town House contains some remaining fragments which date from that time - some of the walls could be an astonishing 800 years old. As the centre and showpiece of the town's civic, financial and legal life, it was adapted through the centuries, to reflect Inverkeithing's increasing prosperity, growth and architectural fashions. 

In this episode,  archaeologist David Sneddon describes the recent community standing building survey, and Lorraine Bell, Manager of Fife Historic Buildings Trust explains how the Town House fits into the regeneration project overall, how local people have been using the building, and what the bright future looks like, for this important historic building. 

If listeners would like to read the report of the Standing Building Survey on Inverkeithing Town House, it is available on Fife Historic Building Trust's website, here https://fifehistoricbuildings.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/People-Making-History-Inverkeithing-Town-House-Level-1-SBS.pdf

For people interested in the subject, David Sneddon also highlights a great book for people who'd like to know more about the architectural history of this type of building:

Tolbooths and Townhouses: Civic Architecture In Scotland To 1833, produced by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland, RCAHMS, now part of Historic Environment Scotland.  While not easily found to purchase new, many libraries will have it in reference sections, and second hand copies are available.