George Dempster of Dunnichen
George Dempster of Dunnichen and Skibo | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1732 Dundee, Scotland |
| Died | 1818-02-13 Dunnichen, Angus, Scotland |
| Occupation(s) | Advocate, landowner, agricultural reformer, parliamentarian |
| Years active | 1755–1790 |
| Known for | Member of Parliament for Perth Burghs; founder of George Dempster & Co.; Director of East India Company; Provost of St Andrews; Director of the Highland Society of Scotland; contributor to the Scottish Enlightenment |
George Dempster of Dunnichen and Skibo FRSE FSA (Scot) (1732–1818) was a distinguished Scottish advocate, landowner, agricultural reformer, and parliamentarian who represented constituencies in the House of Commons between 1761 and 1790. In 1763, he established George Dempster & Co., also referred to as the Dundee Banking Company. From 1769 onward, he held a directorship at the East India Company, served as Provost of St Andrews in 1780, and was appointed a Director of the Highland Society of Scotland in 1789.
Referred to as Honest George, Dempster was a significant contributor to the Scottish Enlightenment, noted for his independent stance, incorruptibility, and moderately progressive views as an MP. In his later years, he dedicated considerable effort to enhancing Scottish agriculture and fisheries, alongside improving the welfare of tenant farmers.
He maintained enduring friendships with philosopher Adam Ferguson and clergyman Alexander Carlyle.
Life and work
Born in Dundee in 1732, George Dempster was the son of John Dempster, 2nd Laird of Dunnichen—a merchant based in Dundee—and Isabel Ogilvie. His birthdate is recorded as either 8 February or 8 December. His early education took place at Dundee Grammar School (circa 1739–1748) and potentially at the parish school in Leuchars, Fife. In 1748, he matriculated at the University of St Andrews but departed around 1750 without completing a degree to pursue legal studies at the University of Edinburgh and subsequently at the Académie Royale in Brussels.
Dempster gained admission to the Faculty of Advocates in 1755 and became an active member—and eventually a director—of Edinburgh's Select Society, a prominent intellectual assembly during the Scottish Enlightenment. In 1762, he became involved with—and may have co-founded—the influential Poker Club of Edinburgh.
Together with Andrew Erskine and James Boswell, Dempster formed a notable literary circle, although he later expressed regret over some critical works they authored. Politically, he served as Member of Parliament for Perth Burghs from 1761 to 1768 and again from 1769 until 1790.
In 1788, Dempster was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, supported by distinguished figures such as Dr Thomas Anderson and John Playfair. He passed away on 13 February 1818 at Dunnichen, Angus, and was interred at Restenneth Priory near Forfar.