The Stonehaven Tolbooth is thought to have been founded by George Keith, 5th Earl Marischal (c. 1553-1623), with the original purpose of the rectangular building to be used as a storehouse.

It was closed by Aberdeenshire Council officials in March 2011 and all the artefacts were removed as the authority needed to cut £58million from its budget over the next two years.

This caused concern among the local community and the Stonehaven Town Partnership got together with the Community Council and Heritage society to campaign to have it reopened.

A number of volunteers came forward and as a result the museum reopened in May 2011.

It is staffed Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 1.30pm - 4.30pm and if more volunteers come forward it could open more days.

This is an example of how the Stonehaven Town Partnership can help to pull the right people together for projects to benefit the local community.

Anyone interested in volunteering at the museum should contact Gordon Ritchie at Connons of Stonehaven on 01569 762971.