Tain blue plaque honour for legendary building designer Andrew Maitland as enormous impact on townscape recognised
The man who spent his life designing beautiful buildings in Tain and across the Highlands is now celebrated in a Blue Plaque.
The plaque, marking the life of Andrew Maitland, was unveiled by Joanie Whiteford, Lord Lieutenant of Ross and Cromarty, at 1 Esther Place, Tain.
Its installation and unveiling was organised by Tain and Easter Ross Civic Trust. Justine Golesworthy, the house owner, said: “It has been a joy to work with the Trust to help in commissioning the Blue Plaque for Andrew Maitland”.
Andrew was born in Keith in 1802 and settled in Tain in 1842. He then spent the next 50 years designing buildings in the Royal Burgh and further afield. He founded a dynasty of Tain architects, including two sons and a grandson.
Before the unveiling, Trustee Hamish Mackenzie gave a presentation to Trust guests about Andrew and his legacy. He concluded by saying: “The range and quantity of Andrew Maitland’s work was astonishing, he produced in a variety of styles of an extraordinary quality.
'I will not see Tain in the same light again whenever I drive through it. I will always be aware of the huge contribution he made.'
- Lord Lieutenant Joanie Whiteford
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As well as the Royal Hotel, Andrew designed the Gairloch Hotel, Loch Maree Hotel, and large private houses which became hotels, such as Shieldaig Lodge. The introduction by Gladstone of compulsory education provided him the opportunity toshow his expertise in school building - Knockbreck Primary, Invergordon, Edderton and Nigg.
He would spend from 9am until 8pm writing detailed specifications. He enjoyed a serene old age and was eventually persuaded by his family to retire at the age of 90.He died two years later. Andrew bequeathed 1 Esther Place to his daughter. His sons designed and built a new office, which is the Red House in Tower Street.
Trust Chairman, Richard Littlewood, said Andrew lived and worked in 1 Esther Place throughout most of his time in Tain, which made it an appropriate place for the plaque,
“His greatest achievement in Tain is the Sheriff Court, recognised as a Grade A Listed Building by Historic Environment Scotland. Within yards are two Grade B buildings, the historic Royal Hotel and the Picture House, which Andrew knew as Tain Public Hall.”
After the unveiling the Lord Lieutenant said Andrew had left his mark on the town saying: “I will not see Tain in the same light again whenever I drive through it. I will always be aware of the huge contribution he made.”
