Andrew Young (poet, born 1807)

Andrew Young FRSE (1807–1889) was a Scottish schoolmaster and poet, known as the author of the hymn "There Is a Happy Land".

He studied the arts and theology at the University of Edinburgh, where he won John Wilson's prize for the best poem on the "Scottish Highlands".

In 1828 Young was appointed by the town council of Edinburgh headmaster of Niddrie Street school, where he taught for 12 years, starting with 90 pupils and leaving with 600.

In 1840 he became head English master of Madras College, St Andrews, from which he retired in 1853 moving back to Edinburgh, where he was until his death.

In 1838 Young wrote a well-known hymn, "There is a happy land", first published in James Gall's "Sacred Songs", and later in hymn-books throughout the world.