Scottie – Jamaican Master Builder

Ainsworth David Scott, or Scottie, was a well-known Jamaican civil engineer, builder, artist, and arts patron. Beyond the canvas, his imprint on the landscape of the island is etched in concrete and steel.

Born in 1912, Scottie was one of the first students to attend Kingston College in 1925, where he developed a passion for both art and engineering. His talents were recognised early on, and he went on to become a master builder and a pioneer in Jamaican art. He made history by being the brains behind Kingston’s Hilton Hotel, marking the inception of his engineering prowess. His portfolio expanded with the design of the National Stadium and what is now known as the Norman Manley Airport, once Palisadoes International Airport.

LIFE OF INNOVATION

Scottie’s legacy goes beyond bricks and mortar. He played a role in education, constructing the University College of the West Indies. Additionally, he pioneered the concept of the first Residential Art Hotel – The Olympia in Papine, Kingston. His canvas wasn’t limited to art. It spanned the infrastructural and educational backbone of Jamaica.

Yet Scottie wasn’t just about blueprints and designs. He was an avid art collector. With one of Jamaica’s largest art collections, he lived by the mantra “Dream Big, Aim High, Act with All Your Might.” Scottie’s life was a testament to the power of dreams and the importance of taking action. He believed that anything was possible if you set your mind to it, and he encouraged others to pursue their passions with unwavering determination. He was a true pioneer, not only in the fields of art and engineering, but also in life.

In the simplicity of Scottie’s story, we find motivation to break barriers and follow our passions. His life serves as a reminder that indeed, life is like a canvas – yours to shape. With hard work, dedication, and a little bit of Scottie’s spirit, we can achieve anything we set our minds to.

Reference: https://rb.gy/ytvlb4

Contributed by Dr Lorenzo Gordon, a diabetologist, internal medicine consultant, biochemist, and a history and heritage enthusiast. Send feedback to inspiring876@gmail.com.