Robert Reid (architect)

Robert Reid was the King's architect and surveyor for Scotland from 1827 to 1839. He is responsible for a number of public works particularly the façade of Parliament Square in Edinburgh, which houses the Court of Session. Stylistically he was heavily influenced by Robert Adam, but Reid's style is more austere. The style is now seen as the main character of the northern Edinburgh New Town.
From 1802 to 1809 he assisted the much older William Sibbald in the design of the Second New Town in Edinburgh, largely being responsible for the facades.
Reid also contributed to the layout of Charlotte Square in the city following fellow architect Robert Adam's death, constructing a home for himself there and completing the design for West Register House. In 1802 he went on to contribute to the planning of the northern part of Edinburgh's New Town and in 1834 further revisited Adam's works in extending Register House.
He was the last person to hold the title of "Master of Work to the Crown of Scotland" a title which died with his retiral. He helped to create its replacement, where responsibility fell to a group rather than an individual, the Scottish Office of Works, which was created in 1827.
He is buried in Dean Cemetery, Edinburgh. He has a large but simple monument against the southern wall.

Principal works

The western sections of the Scottish Law Courts - eventually completed 1830–1840 following the destruction of the buildings to the east originally resistant to redevelopment in the Great Edinburgh Fire of 1824
The Bank of Scotland Head Office on the Mound
St George's Church, Charlotte Square
Leith Custom House
Old Academy, [Perth, Perth, Perth and Kinross|Perth and Kinross|Perth]
Edinburgh Lunatic Asylum, Morningside, Edinburgh
Salutation Hotel, Perth
HM Prison Perth
The library and picture gallery in Paxton House, Berwickshire
North wings of General Register House in Edinburgh
Downpatrick Gaol, County Down, Ireland
Wick Town Hall
Repair and restoration of Arbroath Abbey