Person:Robert Scarlett (1)

Attended Musselburgh Grammar School followed by Edinburgh Agricultural College where he gained several medals and awards in various aspects of his studies. He finally graduated with a diploma in agriculture and joined his father in the market garden business.

He travelled to the Far East, Australia and New Zealand and adapted some of the different cultivation and irrigation methods for his own use

By 1928 he had developed the Scarlett Patent Seed Sower which he followed by a Bunching Machine for flowers vegetable and herbs which was on display at the Highland Show in Glasgow in 1934.

Held many and prestigious positions in various organisations over the years and was also a regular broadcaster and lecturer throughout the 1930s 40s and 50s.

Awarded the OBE and CBE.

Was a council member of the Scottish Horicultural Society when it amalgamated with the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society in 1921 after which he served the newly formed organisation as President for two years.

A keen interest in growing ornamental thistles. In 1953, 17 of them were planted in tubs and displayed during the Royal visit to the palace of Holyroodhouse. Prince Philip was being granted the Order of the Thistle and the 17 thistles were to represent the 17 Knights of the Order of the Thistle.

1.   Inveresk has only been in East Lothian since 1996.