Andrew Fletcher

(1653-1716) Scottish politician and commentator, known as ‘Fletcher of Saltoun’, who gained a reputation as ‘the patriot’ for his opposition to Union with England. Influenced by Machiavelli and Harrington, Fletcher was primarily concerned with limiting the power of the monarchy; proposing an independent parliament, frequent elections, and the incorporation of citizens in a militia (as opposed to a standing army). A proponent of confederation—whereby European states could exist under a regime of mutual cooperation between decentralized, self-governing units—his ideas have resonance with those who believe that Scotland could act independently within the European Union. Fletcher's views were propounded in a number of pamphlets and speeches in the Scottish parliament, and he can be seen as a precursor of the Scottish Enlightenment. His principled stand against court patronage and bribery was not shared by a majority of his fellow members of the Scottish parliament, who voted for Union with England in 1707.

— Alistair McMillan

Fletcher, Andrew (1655-1716). Politician. Fletcher of Saltoun was taught by Gilbert Burnet, who later described him as ‘a most violent republican and extremely passionate’. He represented East Lothian at the convention of estates and in the Scottish Parliament and was in strong opposition to Lauderdale and James, duke of York (later James II). From 1682 he was in exile in Holland. After the Glorious Revolution he returned to Scotland but was soon in opposition to William III. Returned to Parliament again in 1703, he became a prominent opposition speaker. He was violently opposed to the Act of Union, proposing a separation of the crowns instead.

Andrew Fletcher may refer to:

• Andrew Fletcher, Lord Milton (1692–1766), Scottish judge and Lord Justice Clerk
• Andrew Fletcher (musician) (born 1961), co-founder and member of electronic band Depeche Mode
• Andrew Fletcher (politician) (1653–1716), Scottish writer, politician and patriot
• Andrew Fletcher (rugby league), rugby league footballer of the 1970s for Wakefield Trinity
• Andrew Fletcher (MP), British Member of Parliament for Haddington Burghs
• Andy Fletcher (American football), American footballer of the 1910s and '20s for Buffalo All-Americans, and Tonawanda Kardex

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