| Administrative History | William Laing [1742-1812]. Student at Marischal College 1762-1766 and Beattie's pupil in 1765-1766. He was Master at Aberdeen Grammar School in 1770-1771. Beattie secured his appointment as episcopal minister at Peterhead in 1771. He had studied Medicine, although he did not obtain any qualification, but in 1782, on Beattie's recommendation, he was awarded an MD degree of Marischal College. He remained a close friend of Beattie until the latter's death |
| Description | Very affected by Beattie's accound. Not so much Mrs Beatie's situation, because he believes recovery unlikely, but appalled Beattie felt he had to be 'vindicated'. Beattie goodness of heart. He has been over-righteous to her. His duty to himself, his children and the world is not to hurt health further by unavailing anxiety. Suggests Beattie should hire part of her father's house for her, with servants of Beattie's choosing. Laing does not believe she will recover, in which case Beattie, Ross, Livingston and other friends should place her at a distance with appropriate care |