John Mercer

John Mercer was a merchant who eventually became the most prominent Scottish merchant of his day. His family was closely associated with Perth, and John held several properties there and served as alderman.

John Mercer rose to national prominence in David II's (r. 1329 – 1371) service, perhaps coming to royal attention as a burgh representative negotiating the king's ransom in 1357. He represented Perth in parliament in 1370, and from 1359 to 1380 he was custumar of the town. He also undertook diplomatic missions to Flanders in 1367 and to England in 1379. Throughout his life Mercer was occupied with his mercantile activities, trading in England, Flanders, and France, often in partnership with his son Andrew. John was shipwrecked during a voyage off the English coast in 1376 and was imprisoned by the earl of Northumberland. He was freed but his son took more drastic action and in 1378 raised a fleet of Spanish, French, and Scottish ships that attacked and plundered ships at Scarborough.

John Mercer died in 1380, and was buried in St John's Church, Perth, leaving substantial holdings in Perth and Perthshire, including Lyndoch, Tullybeagle, Meikle Kinnaird, Pettland, and Meikleour.