William Binnie was born in Glasgow on August 20, 1823, the second son of an elder of the Church who took a prominent part in all its affairs.

Illness shortened his term of study on the Continent, and he was forced to return home before he could take a second session.

[2] During the course of his ministry at Stirling he maintained studious habits, and in 1862, on the death of Dr Symington, he was elected, by a large majority over two other nominees, to the chair of Systematic Theology in the Reformed Presbyterian Hall, which met for a session in the church of his youth before removing to Edinburgh.

In Stirling he added considerable service to the community to his congregational work, being chosen chairman of the School Board in 1873, an appointment he held till he left the town.

Commissioners in support of the call appeared before the Presbytery of Glasgow on September 14, and Dr Binnie then formally accepted office.

64) daughter of Thomas Fairbairn, banker, Edinburgh, and had issue- As an author Dr Binnie did not publish extensively.