Plaque unveiled for Scottish stonemasons who helped build White House

Two Scottish stonemasons who helped to build the White House have been commemorated with a special plaque.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) unveiled the touching tribute to the group of Edinburgh craftsmen in their home city yesterday.

The plaque now has pride of place at 66 Queen Street in Edinburgh, a building stonemasons John and James Williamson worked on before they travelled to Washington to work on the US presidential residence.

The two brothers were among a group of six members of Edinburgh Lodge number 8 who crossed the Atlantic in 1794 to make their mark on one of the most famous buildings in the world.

Alex Paterson, the chief executive of HES, said: “Skilled Scottish stonemasonry was highly sought-after during the 18th century, and the important work undertaken on the White House demonstrates its lasting global significance.

“This plaque is a fitting tribute to the pioneering Scottish stonemasons of more than two centuries ago, and I hope it will provide inspiration for our next generation of craftspeople to carve their names in history.”