Michael Scott (1789-1835) was the author of two popular novels, Tom Cringle’s Log and The Cruise of the Midge.
The son of a Glasgow merchant, he studied Arts at the University (1801-1805) before going to Jamaica to learn the family business. His travels to and from the island and his experiences there were the basis of his novels which were originally published in serial form in Blackwood’s Magazine.
In 1973, The Jamaica Gleaner reported that Tom Cringle’s Tree, had finally fallen. The tree had stood since Michael Scott’s time and was so called because the author had allegedly once sought rest – and perhaps inspiration – under its branches.
By Nicola Fitzhenry, MLitt Creative Writing, Caribbean Commonwealth, Jamaica 1800s, Club21
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