Gilbert Laurie Explained

Gilbert Laurie of Polmont (1729 - 1809) was an 18th-century Scottish merchant and senior excise officer who twice served as Lord Provost of Edinburgh: from 1766 to 1768 and 1772 to 1774.

Life

He was born in Polmont in 1729. He was Commissioner of Excise for edinburgh from around 1760. In 1766 he succeeded James Stuart of Binend as Lord Provost of Edinburgh. The construction of Edinburgh's New Town began during his term of office.

In 1774, he was living at Baxters Close off the Cowgate in Edinburgh.^[1] In 1784, he was still Commissioner of Excise but lived at Cowgatehead at the east end of the Grassmarket.^[2] In 1784/5, he built or remodelled Polmont House near Falkirk, as his main home.^{[3] [4]}

He died at Polmont, on 10 September 1787, and is thought to be buried in Polmont Parish Churchyard.

Artistic recognition

He was portrayed in office around 1768 by David Martin.^[5]

Family

He married Katherine Erskine, daughter of the Hon Thomas Erskine, son of Henry Erskine, 3rd Lord Cardross.^{[6] [7]}

His daughter, Katherine Laurie married Alexander Marjoribanks of Marjoribanks (1750-1830) in 1790.^[8]

Notes and References

1. Williamsons Edinburgh Directory 1774
2. Williamsons Edinburgh Directory 1784
3. Web site: Polmont House | Canmore. Canmore.org.uk. 3 November 2021.
4. Web site: A sad loss for Polmont - Falkirk Herald . 2019-02-20 . 2019-02-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190221112019/https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/lifestyle/nostalgia/a-sad-loss-for-polmont-1-2586909 . dead .
5. Web site: Gilbert Laurie (1729–1809), Lord Provost of Edinburgh (1766–1768 & 1772–1774) | Art UK. Artuk.org. 3 November 2021.
6. Web site: Person Page. Thepeerage.com. 3 November 2021.
7. Web site: Gilbert Laurie, of Polmont, Lord Provost of Edinburgh d. Yes, date unknown: MacFarlane Clan & Families Genealogy. Clanmacfarlanegenealogy.info. 3 November 2021.
8. Web site: Marjoribanks. Electricscotland.com. 3 November 2021.