In the 1950's the Town Hall was at the centre of controversy when the Town Councillors swapped the piano for a crate of whisky. Read more about it here and here
Davie Kerr also wrote a poem about it;
Pianna Toun Rag
Nae honky-tonk tune ti lichten the gloom.
nae clue as the Toun Hall pianna,
wis taen withoot trace an selt for a case
o whisky at twelve an a tanner.
When met, P.D.Q., this ‘case’ ti review,
oor Cooncillors swore they’re teetotal
but wid try a sip, a hauf or a nip,
ti sample the worth o each bottle.
Noo word’s gotten oot, wha’ll gainsay the loot
wis served, as a Pensioners’ potion,
at their Christmas ‘do’. Ti minute it true,
thiv written a relevant motion.
By Davie Kerr from A Puckle Poems (2000)
Soon after, Armadale was jovially nick-named 'Piano-town'.
Subscription School on South Street and, later the Town Hall