Key People
Sir Gilbert Elliot of Minto (1722-1777)
Sir Gilbert Elliot of Minto was a politician and literary patron from Roxburghshire in the Scottish Borders.
Elliot was a close friend of the philosopher David Hume. However, as an elder of the Church of Scotland, Elliot was critical of Hume’s religious scepticism and advised his friend against publishing some of his more controversial works.
He pursued a long career in politics in London. His connections in London enabled him to support Edinburgh authors and writers. Elliot introduced a number of writers to London society and introduced them to other rich patrons.
