Adam Rolland facts for kids
Adam Rolland of Gask (1734–1819) was an important Scottish judge and a kind person who gave a lot to charity. He helped start the Royal Society of Edinburgh, which is a famous group for smart people. He was also a friend of Lord Melbourne, who later became a British Prime Minister. You might even know him from a book! He was the inspiration for a character named Paul Pleydell in the novel Guy Mannering by the famous writer Sir Walter Scott.
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Adam Rolland's Life Story
Adam Rolland was born in 1734. His father was also named Adam Rolland. He went to school in a town called Dunfermline. Later, he studied law at the University of Edinburgh. He became a lawyer, called an "advocate" in Scotland, in 1758. He was very good at understanding old laws about land and property.
He later became a judge in a high court called the Court of Session. He stopped working as a judge around 1800 because he became very ill and also lost most of his hearing.
From 1816 until he passed away, he was a senior leader at the Bank of Scotland. He took over this job from another important person, Patrick Miller of Dalswinton.
Adam Rolland died at his home at 15 Queen Street in Edinburgh on August 18, 1819. He is buried with his family in St Cuthbert's Churchyard, which is in the middle of the city. His grave is next to a wall on the north-west side of the church.
What Adam Rolland Left Behind
Adam Rolland was very generous. Even though his land and money went to his children, he also gave £13,000 to different charities. This amount would be worth millions of pounds today!
Most of this money went to hospitals and places that helped people with mental health issues. He also supported Christian groups. One of his most important gifts was £1000 to start a free school for poor children in Dunfermline. This school later helped educate Andrew Carnegie, who became a very rich businessman and also a great giver to charity. Some people think Rolland's kindness might have inspired Carnegie to be so generous too.
He also gave £500 to a group that helped people find work instead of begging. The money he left to his family was used to build a house called Luscar House in Dunfermline.
His official will, which is the document stating how he wanted his money and property divided, is kept at The National Archive in Kew, England.
Adam Rolland's Family
Adam Rolland was married to Ann Rolland (who died in 1837). They had several children, including:
- Mary Rolland
- Adam Rolland (1763–1837)
- Robert Rolland, who was in the Royal Navy (he died on a ship called HMS Wellesley in 1829)
- John Rolland, who was a surgeon (a type of doctor)
His grandson, James Rolland, became well-known in New Zealand. His granddaughter, Susan Rolland, married a minister named Rev Robert Rainy.
How Adam Rolland Was Remembered in Art
A famous artist named Sir Henry Raeburn painted a portrait of Adam Rolland around the year 1800. This painting is now kept at the Art Institute of Chicago.
