Surname: Laing Forename(s): Alexander b. 14 May 1787. d. 14 October 1857. Nationality: Scottish. VIAF.
Working-class poet, writing in lowland Scots, and editor. Pseudonym: “A. L.” Known
as “The Brechin Poet.” Born at Brechin, Angus. Father was an agricultural labourer.
Worked as a flax-dresser for fourteen years until an accident disabled him, after
which he became a pedlar. Publications include Wayside Flowers: Being Poems and Songs (1846), The Thistle of Scotland: A Selection of Ancient Ballads and Songs (1823). Edited Burns and Robert Tannahill. Biographical information: Goodridge; ODNB. (AC)