James Fairlie (minister)

James Fairlie (c.1588 – 1658) was a Scottish minister of the Church of Scotland.

Fairlie was born in Edinburgh around 1588, the son of an "honest burgess".

[1] In 1625, he was appointed minister of South Leith Parish Church in the harbour area of Edinburgh.

After a troubled period trying to find a new position, including failing to become minister of Largo, in March 1644 he eventually received a post as minister of Lasswade near Edinburgh under patronage of the King.

[3] In April 1652 he was shortlisted along with Prof Alexander Colvill of St Andrews, Prof Thomas Crauford, William Colvill, William Strachan of Aberdeen and William Rait of Brechin for the position of Principal of University of Edinburgh to replace John Adamson.