Descendants of William LAIDLAW & Elizabeth "Bessie" SCOTT

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Over Phawhope Bothy is believed to have been the home of William LAIDLAW, (1690-1775) and Bessie SCOTT live in Ettrick, Selkirkshire, Scotland, where the raised at least seven children.
Will, known as Will o'Phaup, was a shepherd, storyteller, athlete and drinker. He was a fast runner, never beaten, but once. He drank smuggled brandy rather than whiskey. And he was the last person in this district to talk with fairies.
Will died in 1778, aged about 87, and he is buried in Ettrick Kirkyard. His gravestone says for feats of frolic, strength and agility, he had no equal in his day .

His story-telling genes must've been influential; atleast three of his descendants, James HOGG and Alice MUNRO, Dr. Tannis LAIDLAW, are/were well known writers.

illiams grandson James LAIDLAW (1763-1829) married Helen SCOTT. After Helen's death James relocated his family to Upper Canada in 1819. They settled in Halton County. Their greatgrandson James Ross LAIDLAW, a hardware mechant, moved to Paisley, Bruce County, and married Dula SAUNDERS*.




Table of Contents

  Descendants of William O'Phaup LAIDLAW
  Surname List
  Index of Names
  Sources

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 Please note: The majority of the data has been compiled from many different sources on the internet and the information is only as good as what has been input. Information is corroborated where possible.

Latest Revision May 9, 2026

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