James Dick (1743–1828) was born in Forres, Morayshire to Alexander, a shoemaker and town councillor. Dick became a successful merchant in the West Indies and later in London. Following his death, he bequeathed £113,787 to encourage "learning and efficient teaching" among the parish schoolmasters of Elgin, Banff, and Aberdeen shires. This fund is known as the Dick Bequest, and awards continue to be made to school boards in the region.