THE ASSEMBLY ROOMS

The construction of The Assembly Rooms began with the laying of the foundation stone on 14th May 1783. Just as the New Town itself the design of the new building was decided by a competition and the winner John Henderson collected the first prize of 25 guineas.

Halfway through contruction however, John Henderson died and the responsibility for completing the work fell to his father David, an accomplished mason who had previously worked with Robert Adam on the building Register House.

Door were opened to the public on 11th January 1787 for the Caledonian Hunt Ball although the work wasn't yet completed.

The Chandeliers, ceiling roses, mirrors, drapes and fluted Corinthian pilaters were added by John Baxter with the aid of further subscriptions in 1796.