Sir Thomas Dick Lauder

Born in Edinburgh in 1784, Sir Thomas Dick Lauder was a Scottish author who succeeded to the baronetcy of Fountainhall in 1820. He became known for his essays, tales, travel writing, and historical fiction, and some of his early magazine work was noted for sounding close enough to the spirit of Scott to attract attention.

Lauder wrote with a strong sense of place, especially when describing Scotland. He is often remembered for works connected with Highland life and scenery, and for his account of the great Moray flood of 1829, which drew on a real disaster and helped secure his reputation as an observant, vivid writer.

Alongside his literary career, he held several public and cultural posts, including work connected with the Board of Manufactures and the encouragement of fine arts in Scotland. That mix of writer, traveler, and public servant gives his work an appealing breadth: it comes from someone who was not only telling stories, but also paying close attention to the world around him.