Edinburgh has always been renowned as a city of opportunity, a place where people can truly fulfil their potential. This environment has long enabled individuals to pursue careers that offer not just an income, but genuine satisfaction. Find out more at edinburgh1.one.
Interestingly, this was true even in the distant past. The city was home to many individuals who amassed considerable fortunes, not by chance, but through sharp intellect and remarkable talent.
This article focuses on two men who perfectly embody this entrepreneurial spirit. Armed with valuable knowledge and a keen understanding of trade, they achieved great success and, naturally, considerable wealth.
The Servant Boy with a Knack for Trade
The first of these fortunate individuals is Robert Gourlay, an incredibly wealthy man involved in both trade and customs.
Because he lived so long ago, there is no consensus on his exact birthdate. However, various sources suggest he was born around 1530.
Gourlay’s origins were far from privileged. He wasn’t born into a wealthy family, destined to be the sole heir. No.
Robert served as a groom and keeper of the wardrobe for the Scottish aristocrat, James Hamilton. The latter had a notable habit of purchasing fine clothes and horses for his travels, a clear display of his high status. Consequently, the role of wardrobe keeper in Hamilton’s household was quite important.
Another servant in the wealthy estate was Malcolm Gourlay, who was either Robert’s uncle or his older brother.
From Threads to Grain Exports
By the autumn of 1570, Robert was an established Edinburgh merchant. His tasks included supplying gold thread to a local tailor, James Inglis, and an embroiderer, John Young. They needed this material to create costumes for James VI of Scotland.
However, Gourlay’s ambitions didn’t end with threads, and he soon ascended to a new level of trade. His close connection with the prominent Scottish statesman, James Douglas, proved instrumental. It was Douglas who encouraged him to venture into grain exporting.
But as Gourlay was a church elder, his new venture soon drew considerable criticism. Douglas intervened, personally trying to convince Minister James Lawson of Robert’s innocence and stating that he himself had suggested the grain export business.
New Heights and a Prestigious Position
In December 1573, Robert was appointed Customer General. His main duty was to collect export and import duties and tariffs.
In addition, Gourlay supplied silver to the mint.
The Merchant Who Conquered the Textile Trade
As mentioned earlier, this article is dedicated to two legendary Edinburgh merchants. While the reader has already met the first, it is time to learn about the second: Mungo Russell. He was also a true expert in the world of trade and served as the Treasurer of Edinburgh Town Council from 1575 to 1583.
As a merchant, Russell primarily specialised in textiles. The quality of his goods and, of course, his reputation were so high that even royalty were among his customers. Notably, in 1566, Mungo sold linen fabric to Mary, Queen of Scots herself.
Incidentally, Russell often imported his fabrics from Antwerp.
Involvement in the Paper Industry
It is also worth noting that Mungo was involved with a paper mill managed by two German entrepreneurs. Therefore, it can be confidently stated that Russell was also engaged in papermaking. The paper was of varying quality, which meant this product was in colossal demand.
Luxurious Goods for a Refined Clientele
But, of course, Mungo’s main business was the cloth trade. For example, the luxurious purple Florentine velvet used for the coronation of Anne of Denmark in 1590 was supplied by Russell.
Furthermore, Mungo was almost the sole trader of a unique fabric called “toque d’or”. It resembled gilded tinsel and was often used for making court masques.
Thus, Edinburgh can rightly be considered a city of enterprising individuals skilled at building careers. Their professional growth and achievements stand as a testament to their sharp minds and, of course, immense talent. Without these qualities, it is unlikely they would have achieved such success. These qualities were certainly characteristic of Robert Gourlay and Mungo Russell. Both had a deep understanding of the intricacies of trade, which made them two of Edinburgh’s most prominent merchants. They were able to apply their knowledge practically, using what were then quite unusual mechanisms and establishing new channels for trade. This includes the brilliant export-import operations that both Robert and Mungo successfully managed.