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Thomas Gillies

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Thomas Gillies was born in Brechin in 1750. In 1770 he joined the Indian Medical Service as an Assistant Surgeon, rising to full Surgeon in 1777. In June 1786, he became first Secretary to the Medical Board. In 1796 he retired from the IMS and returned to Brechin, where he built the mansion of Balmakewan, and lived on his fortune until his death in 1808. His son, Robert Pearse Gillies, was a lawyer and prominent literary figure, closely associated with Sir Walter Scott.