William Rose Robinson (1781-1834)

His paternal grandfather was born "Robertson" in Banff but having established a linen/thread manufacturing factory in Nottingham, England, changed the family name to "Robinson" to appear more English. William's father, a solicitor ("Writer to the Signet"), purchased Clermiston House (pictured) near Edinburgh in 1795 for £11,000. It remained in the Robinson family until William's heirs sold it in 1836. As an advocate, William had an extensive practice. In 1811, he married Mary, daughter of James Douglas, of Orchardton, Kirkcudbrightshire, a London merchant who made his fortune with his brothers in America. They had at least five children who reached adulthood.