George Young (surgeon and botanist)

George Young (1749/50 – 1821) was a Scottish surgeon and botanist. He is primarily known for his contributions to the study of the flora of the Shetland Islands.

Young was born in Scotland and qualified as a surgeon, practicing medicine for a substantial portion of his life. His interest in botany led him to explore and document the plant life of the Shetland Islands, where he likely served in a medical capacity or had other professional connections. He meticulously collected and identified various plant species, contributing significantly to the botanical knowledge of the region. His work helped to establish a better understanding of the distribution and characteristics of plants in this unique island environment.

While details regarding his formal botanical publications are scarce, historical records indicate that Young's observations and plant specimens were consulted by other prominent botanists of his time, solidifying his reputation as a reliable source of information on Shetland flora. His contributions, though perhaps not widely disseminated in dedicated publications under his own name, played a vital role in expanding the overall understanding of Scottish and, particularly, Shetland botany during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His work represents an important contribution to the historical record of botanical exploration and discovery in the British Isles.