Born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was trained as a watchmaker. He moved to Philadelphia in 1782. Married Eunice Beal in 1783. They had a son and three daughters. He was appointed engraver for the State of Virginia about 1780. He was a member of the Masons.

Scot succeeded Wright as chief engraver at the Philadelphia Mint November 23, 1793. His salary was $1200 per year. He retained the official title at a time when the actual artistic work was being performed by John Reich. A letter from Director Robert Patterson in 1807 stated that Scot was "so advanced in life, that he cannot very long be expected to continue his labors." He retained the position of chief engraver until his death 16 years later.

He engraved the dies for these medals:

Thomas Jefferson Indian Peace medal (Julian IP- 2, 3, 4)

Thomas Truxton (Julian NA-2)

He engraved dies for these coins:

Liberty Cap half cent 1794-1797

Draped Bust half cent 1800-1808

Draped Bust cent 1796-1807

Flowing Hair half dime 1794-1795

Draped Bust half dime 1796-1805

Draped Bust dime 1796-1807

Draped Bust quarter 1796-1807

Flowing Hair half 1794-1795

Draped Bust half 1796-1807

Flowing Hair dollar 1794-1795

Draped Bust dollar 1795-1804

Capped Bust quarter eagle 1796-1807

Capped Bust half eagle 1795-1807

Capped Bust eagle 1795-1804

bio: Fielding; Hessler; NYHSD; P-F (*gives DOD as 11/2/1823); Stauffer

profile: AJN 18 Jul 1883 page 12