Sir William Dick (?1580-1655), was the son of John Dick the favourite of James VI, who had made a fortune out of trading with Denmark and had bought property in the Orkneys. William followed in his father's footsteps at Court making loans to the King, and through this connection, increased not only his influence but his wealth as well. He extended trade from the Firth to the Baltic and Mediterranean and initiated a lucrative business in negotiating bills of exchange. He was elected Lord Provost of Edinburgh in 1638-9, and was a zealous covenanter. He was knighted in 1643 and created a baronet of Nova Scotia. At this time, however, his loans, made to the armies both North and South of the border, were mounting, and despite his appeals to the government, the repayment of them was not forthcoming. He made further loans to Charles II, thus making himself an enemy of Cromwell, and was subjected to heavy fines. He came to London to petition against these and for the restoration of his loans, and although he fought a continual battle with various committees, it was to no avail. His debts mounted during his stay in London, resulting in several spells in prison. He died at his lodgings in Westminster in absolute poverty.