James Donaldson

Who was James Donaldson?

Sir James Donaldson, was a Scottish classical scholar, and educational and theological writer.

He was educated at Aberdeen Grammar School, Marischal College, Aberdeen, New College, London, and Berlin University. In 1854 he was appointed Rector of the Stirling High School where he remained for two years, before leaving for the Royal High School of Edinburgh, of which he was appointed Rector in 1866. He became in 1881 Professor of Humanity in the University of Aberdeen, and in 1890 Principal of the University of St Andrews by the Universities Act.

He was knighted by Edward VII in 1907, and was awarded an LL.D. by the University of Glasgow and an honorary D.D. by the University of Aberdeen in recognition of his work in Church history.

His memorial is in the Church of St John the Evangelist, Edinburgh.