Kemp was born to farming parents in Moorfoot, Midlothian, near Gladhouse Reservoir, although the family moved shortly afterwards to Newhall near Carlops, around 14 miles (23 km) west.

He was educated at the school in Penicuik, and was inspired, at the age of ten, by a visit to Rosslyn Chapel and Roslin Castle.[2] In 1809 he was apprenticed to Andrew Noble, a master wright (carpenter) in Redscarhead, near Peebles.

During his four-year training he began his own study of the ancient architecture of the Scottish Borders, including Melrose Abbey. After a year working for a millwright in Galashiels, Kemp moved to Edinburgh, working as a carpenter and writing poetry in his spare time.

Kemp is best know for designing the Scott Monument which towers over Princes street in Edinburgh.

Kemp is commemorated by a memorial at Moy Hall, Redscarhead near - Peebles - which was formerly the workshop of Kemp's master, Andrew Noble. It was erected in 1932, on the centenary of Scott's death.

Historical content : taken from wikipedia.org

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