Biography:James Stewart-Robertson
James Stewart-Robertson
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| Given name: | James |
| Middle name: | |
| Family name: | Stewart-Robertson |
| Place of birth: | Eradynate, Perthshire |
| Place of death: | |
| Year of birth: | 1823 |
| Year of death: | 1896 |
| Profile: | Collector, Composer, Editor, Musician, Publisher |
| Source of information: | |
Biographical notes
James Stewart Robertson was from Edradynate, Perthshire, the son and namesake of James Stewart Robertson, Esq., of Eradynate and Dorothea, youngest daughter of Adam Stewart Esq. of Cluny. The family seat of Eradynate was an estate with a mansion in Logierait Parish, Perthshire, near the left band of the Tay, near Aberfeldy. The son succeeded his father to the estate in 1862.
He studied fiddle under Duncan McKercher (The Athole Paganini), John McAlpine and William McLeish (The Aberfeldy Paganini). Although he found his calling in the profession of the law, he remained an avid amateur violinist and Scottish music enthusiast and was a founding member of the Edinburgh Highland Reel and Strathspey Society in 1881. He became the Society's first President and oversaw its early development. Stewart-Robertson remained in his post until his death in 1896 (the same it's Vice-President, Robert Watson, "the Society's Bard", also died).
In 1884 he set about compiling his great collection, The Athole Collection, which he published for subscribers. A number of copies were purchased at cost for the use of the Society, and it may be assumed it became a standard reference for their practices and concerts. Upon his death, Stewart-Robertson was justly hailed by the Society for his contributions, but little mention was made of his musical talent and works in his newspaper obituaries, which celebrated his fame as a lawyer, philanthropist, and politician.