James Playfair (minister)

Rev James Playfair DD FRSE (19 December 1738 – 26 May 1819) was an eminent figure in 18th-century Scotland.

He was born at West Bendochy in Perthshire where his father, George Playfair (died 1786), was a farmer. His mother was Jean Roger (died 1804).

He studied at St Andrews University and then became minister of Newtyle (1770–77) and Meigle (1777–1800). He was then appointed Principal of St Andrews University in 1800. During this period he was also minister of St Leonard's Church in St Andrews.

He was the official histiographer of the then Prince of Wales.

He died at Dalmarnock near Glasgow. He is buried in Glasgow but is also memorialised on the grave of his wife in the churchyard of St Andrews Cathedral.

He married Margaret Lyon in 1773, and was the father of Sir Hugh Lyon Playfair.

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