Author: Arnot, Hugo
Biography:
ARNOT, Hugo formerly Pollock (1749-1786: ODNB)
The son of Duncan Pollock and Christian (Arnot) Pollock, he was born at Leith on 8 Dec. 1749 and baptised on 17 Dec. He changed his surname to Arnot of Balcormo, having inherited the property of Balcormo, Fife, through his mother in 1773. He became a member of the Faculty of Advocates on 5 Dec. 1772 but his legal career was hampered by chronic lung disease. He married Margaret Bennet on 18 July 1776; they had six children of whom the eldest, Hugo, died in early infancy. His eccentric appearance, caustic wit, and vigorously expressed political views made him a notable figure in Edinburgh society. Other publications include his Essay on Nothing (1776), History of Edinburgh (1779 and 1816), and Collection of Celebrated Criminal Trials In Scotland (1785). He died at Edinburgh on 20 Nov. 1786; his wife survived him and died in 1826. (ODNB 21 Jan. 2018; ancestry.co.uk 27 Jan. 2025; John Kay, A Series of Original Portraits and Caricature Etchings [1838]) SR