Peter Nicholson, 1765-1844; architect of Ardrossan

Architect, mathematician and engineer, Peter Nicholson was born in Prestonkirk, East Lothian. He was the architect appointed by the 12th Earl of Eglinton to prepare plans for the new town of Ardrossan in Ayrshire and for the next 50 years his simple but effective grid plan was adhered to.

The New Town of Ardrossan was planned and created to support the development of a new harbour and the seaward end of a canal that the 12th Earl of Eglinton planned to run from Glasgow. The grid pattern of the town is still recognisable through Princes Street, Montgomerie Street and Glasgow Street.

The sketch below of Peter and more information on his life can be found on his Wikipedia page.

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