William Neilson (Lord Provost) Explained

William Neilson was a 17th/18th century Scottish merchant and mason who served as Lord Provost of Edinburgh 1717 to 1719.^[1]

His term of office was sandwiched between the two terms of John Campbell.He was paid a salary of £300 per year from the City Treasurer Robert Wightman but was also the first Provost who had to swear an oath that he would receive no other monies (i.e. an anti-bribery oath).^[2]

He was father to the architect/builder Samuel Neilson who designed the Royal Bank of Scotland in 1750.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Book: Marwick . James D. . Records of the Convention of the Royal Burghs of Scotland : with extracts from other records relating to the affairs of the burghs of Scotland . 1866 . Published for the Convention of Royal Burghs, W. Patterson . Edinburgh . 185 et passim .
2. An Historical Sketch of the Municipal Constitution of the City of Edinburgh by Alex Pennecuik 1826
3. Web site: Dictionary of Scottish Architects - DSA Architect Biography Report (October 26, 2021, 10:45 pm).