This street was initially called Scott's Place after the owner of the Fleece Inn. The National Bank of Scotland (now the Royal Bank of Scotland) took over the inn building in 1825 and the street name was changed. In 1946, a new bank building was constructed, based on a 1940 design. In the 1940s, the Burgh Council was gifted the garden ground on the south side of Bank Street by the owners of the properties. George Craig in 1813 created - along with Bridge Street - a street with houses on one side and gardens on the other. Sadly, the Bridge Street gardens have been built over but Bank Street shows what might have been had the modern development not taken place. Bank Street Gardens are much enjoyed by locals and visitors, as a place from which to watch life go by and to solve the problems of the world. In the summer time, the Town Band sometimes entertains passers by with concerts in the gardens.

Head back towards Cornmill Square through the gardens, from where you gain an impressive view of the clock tower. You can see the Salmon Inn on your left. One of the oldest pubs in the town, this was a coaching inn many years before the arrival of the railway in 1849. The Salmon had a ballroom which was a popular venue with locals. The Salmon is still a traditional meeting point for locals and the atmosphere is always friendly. Notice how the windows on the Cornmill Square side of the building have sunk over the years, producing almost lozenge shaped windows.

At the end of St John Street is a bust of Sir Walter Scott and a bronze tablet, both designed by Thomas Clapperton in 1932. Turn right up St John Street.

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