Fish Market, Sandhill

"At the east end of the Exchange stood the Maison de Dieu built by Roger Thornton in 1412, over which was the Merchants Court. This building having become almost useless and the hall insecure the whole was pulled down early in 1823, and a handsome and convenient edifice erected upon its scite by Mr John Dobson, architect. The foundation is very deep and secure, upon the original bed of the river. In digging, the bottom of the town wall was removed about twelve feet below the surface. The east part of this beautiful building is semicircular, and the basement is used for a Fish market. It is supported by eight Doric pillars, which run around the exterior; and the interior is divided by strong cast iron pillars. The fish dealers are accommodated with sloping stone benches, divided into thirty six compartments, which form a semicircle and a right line between the ends of the arch. There is an excellent forcing pump, by which a plentiful supply of water can be easily obtained; and when the plugs are drawn six fountains, are seen playing from the reservoir.
The whole is enclosed by ornamental iron rails and gates, and a flagged foot path extends around the outside. This splendid market place besides being one of the handsomest architectural ornaments of the town, has cleared the Sandhill of the lumber of fish stalls, and widened the entrance to the Quay, which before was inconveniently narrow." (text: Eneas Mackenzie, 1827)

In 1880 a new purpose-built Fishmarket was built. This is now a Grade 2 Listed building.