Name

Bain Whyt, Writer to the Signet, was the third son, but fourth child, of John Whyt and Isobell Simpson. He was born at Falkirk in 1748, and baptised on the 13th March of that year. His name seems to have been taken from the surname of his granduncle, James Bain of Bainfield, in Crammond. He was educated at the grammar school, and afterwards apprenticed to John Renny, writer, Falkirk. He subsequently settled in Edinburgh was afterwards in the office of Robert Jamieson, W.S. He early qualified himself as a solicitor in the Supreme Courts of Scotland, and held the office of clerk to that body in 1772. Seventeen years later (14th March, 1789), Bain Whyte was admitted a writer to the signet, and soon became one of the best known and most respected lawyers in the Capital. In 1775 he founded the Wagering Club, which is said to exist still in the Metropolis. Annually the members dine together, and the wagers are limited to four, and the stakes to one shilling for each bet. The subject of the various bets is said to be of a very harmless character. Towards the close of the American War of Independence, a corp was raised having for it’s title the “Edinburgh Defensive Band.” In this body he held the rank of lieutenant. At a later period, when Napoleon threatened invasion, the Edinburgh Royal Volunteers were raised, the Right Honourable Charles Hope of Granton being colonel. In 1803 we find Bain Whyt holding office of Captain and adjutant, and latterly he was major of the corps. In addition to the pastime of Volunteering, Bain Whyt was a most enthusiastic member of the Masonic craft. He joined the Lodge of Falkirk on 23rd December, 1765 and on the 21st September of the following year was made Fellow Craft and Master. On settling in Edinburgh, he was initiated in Mary’s Chapel No.1 and soon took prominent place in the conduct of its affairs. From the History of The Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary’s Chapel) No.1, by David Murray Lyon, Edinburgh, 1873, we take the following particulars regarding the office held by Bain Whyt:- In December, 1767, he was elected Secretary of the Lodge, and on that occasion “produced a certificate of his being passed fellow craft and irregularly raised to the high degree of Master Mason in the Lodge of Falkirk, where of the Right Worshipful Br. Robert Whyt, his Brother-german, was at the time Master, “We are further informed that “after two years service as secretary, he was promoted to the office of Senior Warden, which he held for one year, and in 1770 was elevated to the Throne, which he held till St John’s Day, 1775. On the retirement of James Neilson in 1780, he was re-elected, and held the office of Master for another year. While in office he was constantly in his place both in Mary’s Chapel and in the Grand Lodge and Grand Committee. In September, 1772, he was present in the capacity of Acting Substitute Grand Master at the laying of the foundation stone of Ayr Harbour by the Earl of Dumfries. Bain Whyt died at Edinburgh, 26th December, 1818. He was buried in St Cuthbert’s Kirkyard.