Archibald Fletcher

Archibald Fletcher (1746–1828), was a Scottish advocate and proponent of Scottish burgh reform.

Born in the hamlet of Pubil, Glen Lyon in Perthshire, he was the eldest son of Angus Fletcher of Pubil and Grace MacNaughton.

At the age of 10, Archibald entered the Grammar School of Kenmore in Breadalbane, where he excelled as a scholar. At the age of 13, he was transferred to the High School of Perth. Three years later, he was placed in an apprenticeship in the office of Mr Grant, a writer to the signet in Edinburgh, who on account of his talent, recommended him to be a confidential clerk to Lord-advocate Sir James Montgomery. and drew up the principal draft of a reform bill submitted to parliament. He was dubbed the 'father of burgh reform,’ both on account of his initiation of the agitation and the skill and energy with which he directed it. In 1787, he was sent as delegate to London by the Scottish burghs to promote the cause, where he gained the friendship of Charles James Fox and other Whig leaders.

In 1790, he was called to the Scottish bar. The following year he married Miss Eliza Dawson, daughter of a Yorkshire land surveyor.

He died on 20 December 1828 at his home, Auchindinny House, near Edinburgh. His friend Lord Brougham described him as 'one of the most upright men that ever adorned the profession, and a man of such stern and resolute firmness in public principle as is very rarely found united with the amiable character which endeared him to private society.'