Andrew Fletcher of Saltoun 

Andrew Fletcher of Saltoun
(1655 – September 1716)

Andrew Fletcher of Saltoun was a Scottish writer, politician and soldier. He was a Commissioner of the old Parliament of Scotland and is remembered as the leading opponent of the 1707 Act of Union between Scotland and England and an advocate of the Darién scheme, he also introduced agricultural improvements to Scotland.

He wrote several important essays on political, economic and social questions. He was also the first in Europe to argue for a European association of the nation states. David Hume, who was influenced by several of Andrew Fletcher's ideas, said that he was "a man of signal probity and fine genius". Sir Walter Scott referred to him as one of the most accomplished men, and best patriots whom Scotland has produced in any age." He was long known in Scotland as "The Patriot". 

The Saltire Society Commemorates Andrew Fletcher annual throught a commemorative lecture held at Parliament.