James Sutherland (c. 1639–1719) was the first Professor of Physic (Botany) at the University of Edinburgh, from 1676 to 1705.
[2] Although known for his abilities as a herbalist and his enthusiasm for plants, Sutherland was just a youth when first recruited by Dr (later Sir) Robert Sibbald and Dr (later Sir) Andrew Balfour to take care of their burgeoning plant collection.
Initially this was at the Palace of Holyroodhouse garden, but in 1675, when land was acquired in the grounds of Trinity Hospital, over which Edinburgh Waverley station has now been built, Sutherland was appointed Intendant of the (Town) Physic Garden.
It was undoubtedly his impact in this role that led, on 12 January 1699, to the first Royal Warrant connected with Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, appointing him as the first Regius Keeper and first King's Botanist, in addition to his Professorship and the Keepership of three gardens.
In addition to his leadership of all things botanical in the city, Sutherland had a great reputation as an antiquary and numismatist, activities to which he chose to devote more time in the later part of his long life.