James Ramsay

James Ramsay (c.1624–1696), bishop of Dunblane, bishop of Ross, was son of Robert Ramsay (1598?–1651). The latter was successively minister of Dundonald (1625–40), of Blackfriars or College Church, Glasgow (1640–7), and of the High Church (now the cathedral), Glasgow (1647–51); was dean of the faculty of the University of Glasgow 1646 and 1650–1, rector in 1648, and principal from 28 August 1651 until his death in the following September. He is buried in Canongate Churchyard. His grave is officially "lost" but the ornate, illegible stone on the east side of the church, now somewhat spuriously ascribed to Rizzio is probably his. Biography Early career Born in Irvine, North Ayrshire, in 1624, James was the son of Rev Robert Ramsay a schoolteacher there, by his second wife, Janet Campbell. In 1625 the family moved to Dundonald, South Ayrshire when his father became minister of that parish. In 1640 they moved to Glasgow when his father became minister of Blackfriars Church there. He entered at the University of Glasgow on 31 March 1645, and was laureated in 1647. He was ordained to the ministry of Kirkintilloch on 19 February 1653, but was charged by the English rulers "not to preach in that church, and the people not to hear him". The parishioners adhered to him nevertheless. In 1655 he was transferred to Linlithgow. There he met with further obstruction, but the synod declared him to be lawfully called and admitted. He joined the party of the resolutioners, and on 29 May 1661 celebrated the restoration of Charles II by publicly burning the Solemn League and Covenant and the acts of parliament passed during the civil wars.