April–June – the brig Alexander collects emigrants from the west of Scotland (the "Glenaladale settlers") and carries them to Prince Edward Island.[1]
10 June – Credit crisis of 1772 is triggered when, following the flight of their partner, Aberdeen-born Alexander Fordyce, to France, the London banking house of Neal, James, Fordyce and Down (which has been speculating in East India Company stock) suspends payment. The resultant panic causes failure of other banks, particularly in Scotland, and especially in Edinburgh and the Ayr Bank.
Summer – Welsh naturalist Thomas Pennant makes a second tour of Scotland.[2]