William Kirk Dickson
William Kirk Dickson was a Scottish advocate, librarian and writer. He was Keeper of the Advocates' Library from 1906–25, and Librarian of the National Library of Scotland from 1925–31.Life
He was born in Edinburgh, the son of William Dickson of Mauricewood and his wife, Anne Kirk.
He studied law at University of Edinburgh and qualified as an advocate in 1887.
In 1890 he was living and working at 38 York Place.
In the late 19th century he lived at 3 Darnaway Street on the Moray Estate in western Edinburgh.
In 1912 University of St Andrews granted him an honorary doctorate, LL.D.
He died in Edinburgh on 14 July 1949 and is buried with his parents in the Grange Cemetery in the south of the city. The grave lies against the south wall. His wife Kathleen Murdoch lies with him, as does his son, Rear Admiral Robert Kirk Dickson.
His youngest son, Archibald William Dickson, was killed in the Battle of Jutland, when HMS Queen Mary was destroyed by SMS Derfflinger, aged 16.
