James Alston

James Alston (1679–1733) was a Church of Scotland minister who served twice as Moderator of the General Assembly in both 1725 and 1729.

He was born in Edinburgh, the eldest son of James Alston, a merchant.

He studied at the University of Edinburgh and graduated with an MA in July 1697.

[1] His began his ecclesiastical career as morning lecturer in the Tron Kirk on the Royal Mile in May 1703 but in September 1703 was ordained as minister of Dirleton church, east of Edinburgh, and remained in this role for the rest of his life.

The graveyard was little used after 1630 when St Giles manse was demolished to create Parliament House.