Samuel Arnott

Born in 1852 and later associated with Carsethorn and Sunnymead, Maxwelltown, he was known as both a gardener and a politician. He wrote The Book of Bulbs and built a reputation as an observant, enthusiastic writer on plants and garden subjects.

He was also deeply involved with the Dumfriesshire and Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society. After joining in 1893, he served on its council, became the first specifically named editor of its Transactions for several volumes published from 1907 to 1910, and worked as secretary for five years before being made an honorary member on his retirement from that post.

His articles show the range of his interests: bulbs, alpine plants, primroses, colchicums, fragrant wild plants, local plant names, folklore, antiquities, and even outdoor plant photography. That mix of practical gardening knowledge and affection for local tradition gives his writing a warm, distinctive character. He died in 1930.