William Darling McKay

1844 - 1924

Born in Gifford, Haddington; died Edinburgh. Came to Edinburgh at the age of 16 and was first noticed ten years later for a series of pastorals, in which figures played an important part. He was awarded an honorary LLD by the University of Edinburgh in 1919 and thereafter known as Dr McKay. Friend of Lawton Wingate. In 1872, when on a painting excursion to Cadzow Forest, he became increasingly interested in watercolour painting. Best remembered as the author of The Scottish School of Painting (1906) which, although a pioneer work, encompassed the 18th century in a mere eight pages. RSA, ARSA, RSA, GI & AAS.