William Robinson Pirie

William Robinson Pirie (1804–1885) was a Scottish minister who served as Principal of Aberdeen University.

He actively campaigned for the cessation of the link between landowners and the church, generally termed “patronage” which officially ceased in UK in 1874.

He was born in the manse at Slains, north of Aberdeen on 26 July 1804, the son of Rev George Pirie (1761–1826), the local minister, and his wife, May Forbes Robinson (died 1835).

In 1830 he was presented by General Gordon Cumming Skene (as patron) to the parish of Dyce, where he remained until 1845.

[2] In 1843 he became professor of divinity at Aberdeen University (whilst still minister of Dyce, which is nearby).