McCaig Watson has its roots in G.L Watson, the long-standing firm which has become, over the years, less of a consultancy than a tradition or a legend. Since the late 19th century, the days of sail, when George L. Watson first penned the designs for his triumphant Americas Cup yachts, through the early 20th century, designs for sailing vessels and steam ships, including the original "Britannia", and then through the late 20th century, when G.L. Watson became almost synonymous with fishing vessel design, a reputation for innovation, quality and the best of Scottish design has been a long time in the making.

McCaig Watson, founded over 10 years ago by James McCaig FRINA FIESS, a director of G.L. Watson, to continue this tradition in the field of small craft design and consultancy, has over the years developed a reputation for quality design in steel and aluminium, with a special interest in high-speed craft, workboats and pilot vessels. McCaig Watson is known worldwide, and in particular, is a leading name in the Republic of Ireland. McCaig Watson has also become known for its role in promoting the interests of clients and vessel owners and offering invaluable guidance and advocacy in a world of increasingly complex regulation. McCaig Watson became part of Marine Design International in 2005.