David Herd (1732 – 10 June 1810) was a noted Scottish anthologist of songs and ballads.
Later in life he became clerk to an accountant in Edinburgh, where he became a well-known figure among the literary men.
He devoted his leisure to collecting old Scottish poems and songs.
[1] Herd was a member and Sovereign (president) of the Edinburgh Cape Club, a tavern based convivial society with members including the poet Robert Fergusson,[2] the painters Alexander Nasmyth, Henry Raeburn and Alexander Runciman (a close friend of Herd's), as well as John Wotherspoon (the printer of Herd's book) and Deacon William Brodie.
[1] Herd died at Potterrow, Edinburgh on 10 June 1810 and was buried in the Buccleuch Parish Church yard.