William Little (Lord Provost)

William Little (or Littil) of Liberton (1525–1601) was a 16th-century Scottish merchant and landowner who served as Lord Provost of Edinburgh 1586/87 and 1591/92.

[4] His benefaction included donation of 300 legal books previously owned by his older brother Clement Little, an advocate who died in 1580.

He was replaced in turn from 1587 to 1591 by John Arnot of Birswick, before serving a second term as Provost 1591 to 1592, thereafter being succeeded by Nicol Uddert.

Little and others such as George Buchanan were some of the graves removed in a purge of monuments in the early 17th century, and stones were thereafter banned in the main grass areas.

The tomb shows Little lying recumbent, propped by his elbow, under a canopy supported on six Corinthian columns and topped by two female figures (representing Lady Justice and Prudence).