Born in Kirkcaldy, Fife, Robert Adam (1728 – 1792) became one of Scotland’s most famous architects. Adam was renowned for his classical designs of fine buildings, country houses, furniture and interiors throughout Britain which were inspired and influenced by Italian classical design and ancient Roman architecture.

His most famous commissions include Sion House, Chiswick Park and Kenwood House in London. Apart from the Trades Hall, his most enduring Scottish works include Edinburgh’s Charlotte Square, the Old College of Edinburgh University and Culzean Castle in Ayrshire.

He was Architect of the King’s Works under George III from 1761 to 1768 and was responsible for the layout of Portland Place in London.

In 1791, Adam was commissioned to design a new Trades Hall in Glassford Street as a meeting place for the Incorporated Trades and Trades House of Glasgow. Today, the Trades Hall is the only major work by Adam surviving in the city.

He worked on the Trades Hall at the very end of his career and died two years before its completion. His brothers, James and William, were responsible for finishing the Trades Hall, which opened in 1794. Robert Adam is buried in Westminster Abbey, London.