[4] She had escaped an arranged marriage designed by her employer Elizabeth Montagu to marry her to her nephew and heir when she met Alison.

[5] The next 20 years of his life were spent in England, where he held in succession the livings of High Ercall, West Lavington, Rodington and Kenley.

In 1800 he moved back to Edinburgh, having been appointed senior incumbent of episcopalian St Paul's Chapel in the Cowgate.

For 34 years he filled this position with much ability; his sermons were characterised by quiet beauty of thought and grace of composition.

[4] The new St Paul's Chapel on York Place in Edinburgh's New Town was completed in 1818, and Alison, along with Rev Robert Morehead served as clergy there.