William Buist was the eighth child of Henry Buist (1762-1822) to be born at East Mill in Strathmiglo Parish, Fife. William would eventually start a grocery and wine merchant business in Auchtermuchty which was quite successful through the years. The town of Auchtermuchty is associated with stepped gables, red pantiles, thatched roofs and old bridges which are still prevalent today. For nearly thirty years Buist sold goods and wines to the residents of Auchtermuchty. He would never marry and would put all of his energies and efforts into his business. This then is the narrative of the life and times of William Buist, the merchant of Auchtermuchty.