Gaelic poet and preacher. Born in the parish of Balquhidder (Stirling), the son of a farmer and miller. The young Buchanan became a school-master, first locally and later at Kinloch Rannoch. Little of Buchanan's poetry survives, but it was always on a religious theme. He was also known for his evangelical preaching and encouraging the local populace to observe the Sabbath.
He travelled to Edinburgh, where he attended classes in natural philosophy and anatomy at the University. He also met David Hume (1711-76) and engaged him in philosophical debate.
Having caught a fever, Buchanan and his eight children died within days of each other. He is commemorated by a memorial at the centre of Kinloch Rannoch.
