Gilbert Laurie

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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.^{[citation needed]}

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]

Memorials[]

Laurie Park and Laurie Gardens, both in Falkirk, are named after the Laurie family.^[9][10]

References[]

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