David Robertson

Scottish naturalist and geologist (1806–1896).

David Robertson FLS, FGS (1806–1896) was a Scottish naturalist and geologist who founded the University Marine Biological Station, Millport. Robertson was born in Glasgow. From age 8 he worked as a herd boy in Ayrshire, but eventually went on to gain a medical degree. His interests turned to the study of Natural History in the town he regularly visited, Millport, in the Firth of Clyde. He studied the local flora and fauna and established Millport as a significant area for marine biological research. In 1885 he had the 'Ark', an old floating laboratory, drawn up on shore, at Port Loy, Cumbrae.