Wealthy merchant and agricultural improver. Born in Stichill in the Scottish Borders, Dickson ran away to London when he was accused of vandalising the drinking fountain in the town square of Kelso. He made his fortune as a merchant and returned to the Borders where he acquired an estate at Ednam in 1761. He improved the land and brought employment by building industries including a bleachfield, mill and brewery. He built what is now Ednam House, although his plans for a canal from Berwick-upon-Tweed never came to fruition.