Ian Maclaren

Ian Maclaren was the pen name of John Watson (1850–1907), a Scottish minister of the Free Church of Scotland and author. He is best known for his works depicting rural Scottish life, including 'Beside the Bonnie Brier Bush' (1894) and 'The Days of Auld Lang Syne' (1895), which exemplified the kailyard school of Scottish literature. Watson also published theological works under his own name and served as a notable preacher and moderator of the English Presbyterian church synod.