The appearance of the Corn Exchange is quite curious, it is a fine but modest building which is executed in an architectural style little-used in Scotland. It is described as Tudor or Jacobean, a style more commonly associated with England. The choice of a hammer beam roof, to avoid intermediate columns, may have influenced the choice of architectural style for the building. The style chosen has been implemented both externally and internally with some considerable skill and delicacy. The front elevation facing the High Street with its steep gables, small central bell tower, tall narrow clustered windows, with small panes and articulated window drip hoods and simply moulded pointed arches is charming.
The sheer size and scale of the main space has made it a struggle to find a suitable and financially sustainable purpose for it, after it was no longer required as a grain market. Therefore although the fabric has not been regularly maintained there has been no inappropriate use resulting in the loss of significant architectural fabric or features. The only use that has resulted in any major change was when Ferranti used it as an industrial training centre. Nevertheless the mezzanine floor – added at the east end – has been subsequently removed with minimal impact on the original building fabric.
Michael Laird led the restoration, which kept original architectural details, restored the whitewashing which would have originally been seen in many parts of the interior, and added some small and understated insertions including new entrances and solar panels on the roof.