The Packman of Pettens

This is the grave of George Davidson of Pettens in St Nicholas Kirk at the west gate. He started life as a travelling salesman, somewhat of the Steptoe & Son variety, but was shrewd and ended up a burgess of Aberdeen with great property to his name. He is also remembered for his philanthropic donations to St Fittick's Kirk in Torry - he paid for the building of the wall around it - and Newhills Church - which he paid for the entire building. A man who could probably neither read nor write until late in life, George Davidson left this world as a 'somebody'! Wonderful irony then, that this traveller should have a fantastical tomb inscribed in Latin, and next to him lies Dr William Guild, principal of Kings College and founder of the first Trades Hospital in the Green, after gifting the lands of the Trinitarians to the Seven Incorporated Trades. The Packman and the Principal... in death no difference!