Events from the year 1709 in Scotland.
Incumbents Secretary of State for Scotland: The Earl of Mar, until 3 February 1709; then The Duke of Queensberry
Law officers Lord Advocate – Sir James Stewart; then Sir David Dalrymple, 1st Baronet Solicitor General for Scotland – William Carmichael; then Thomas Kennedy, jointly with Sir James Steuart, Bt.
Judiciary Lord President of the Court of Session – Lord North Berwick Lord Justice General – Lord Tarbat Lord Justice Clerk – Lord Ormiston
Events 1 or 2 February – marooned Lower Largo-born privateer Alexander Selkirk, the original Robinson Crusoe, is rescued after four years living on the Juan Fernández Islands and begins his return to civilisation. 26 April – Act of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland for the provision of public libraries in presbyteries.Act XI. 3 May – Elspeth Rule becomes the last person in Scotland to be tried before the High Court of Justiciary for witchcraft; the judge, sitting at Dumfries, orders her to be burned on the cheek and banished from Scotland for life. 1 July – Treason Act 1708 comes into force, harmonising the law of high treason in Scotland with that of England. Summer – bad weather causes a poor harvest with consequent distress. 5 October – last Scottish coinage issued by a mint in Scotland, at Edinburgh. Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge established by royal charter. Appointment of the first Chair of Oriental Languages in the University of Glasgow, Charles Morthland. First clout archery competition for the Edinburgh Arrow held by the Royal Company of Archers and won by David Drummond, advocate.
Births Date unknown John Armstrong, physician and poet (died 1779)
Deaths 24 June – Robert Lauder of Beilmouth, lawyer and Clerk of Exchequer
See also 1709 in Great Britain
References