John Hunter-Selkirk
The 'Braidwood Collection' amassed by John Hunter-Selkirk
was often described as "one of the most important ever brought
together in this country by a private individual". The collection
is wide-ranging and includes fossils, antiquities and early printed
books. Hunter-Selkirk was one of the best known scientists of his
day and had many famous friends in the fields of science and
art.
It was his close friendship with James
Thomson of Kilmarnock, the foremost Scottish expert on
fossil corals, and his involvement with Kilmarnock's
Glenfield Ramblers that led Hunter-Selkirk to donate
major parts of his collection to the town. This generous gift,
along with Thomson's own collection was instrumental in the
establishment of a museum in
Kilmarnock.
Although he was never a member of the Glenfield Ramblers,
his reputation as a great scientist meant that he was well known by
them, and whenever they ventured near his home in Lanarkshire he
joined their party and was greatly admired for his contribution to
the day's enjoyment.
