James Craig

1744 - 1795

Architect. Born in Edinburgh, Craig's most significant achievement was his layout for the first stage of Edinburgh's New Town (1766). Craig entered an early example of an architectural competition, run by the Edinburgh Town Council, and judged by the Lord Provost and architect John Adam (1721-92). Craig's winning plan conceived two grand squares - St. Andrew's Square and Charlotte (originally St George's) Square - with three parallel streets (Princes, George and Queen) running between them. The old Royal Observatory, on Calton Hill (1792), is one of Craig's few buildings.

He is buried in Greyfriars kirkyard in Edinburgh.

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