“Henry Dundas was the complete 18th Century politician. he had few original ideas, even fewer ideals, but was an expert in the art of political manipulation. For over thirty years his powers in Scotland were almost complete and through the control of patronage he was able to deliver the votes […]
John Evelyn Barlas (1860 – 1914), pseudonym Evelyn Douglas, was an English poet and political activist (anarchist-communist) of the late nineteenth century. Born in Rangoon on 13 July 1860 to a family of merchants, Barlas was a direct descendent of Barlass (Kate Douglas) the 15th century Scots heroine. He was […]
In 1755 George Sandeman (1724-1803) feued about ten acres of land in the area known today as Springland for the establishment of a water-powered saw mill. George Sandeman came from a wealthy linen family, but nevertheless trained as a Wright (his furniture is well-known) and operated as a merchant in […]
William Wallace (1768- 1843) was born in Dysart in Fife. He attended a small private school before joining a public seminary. His father tutored him in arithmetic and after his father’s business failed, he was sent to Edinburgh as an apprentice bookbinder. Thereafter self-taught he spent hours on mathematics and […]