Doktor der Rechte
Boyd was born on in Paisley on 24 December 1795, the son of a glover. After receiving his early education partly in Paisley and partly in Glasgow, he attended the University of Glasgow where he gained honours in humanities, Greek, and philosophy classes. After completing his BA and MA degrees, he went on to study medicine for two years; however, he abandoned his medical studies to study divinity at the Divinity Hall of the university. He was licensed to preach the gospel by the presbytery of Dumbarton in May 1822. Towards the close of that year he moved to Edinburgh, where for three years he was a private tuition. In 1825 he was unanimously chosen house governor in George Heriot's Hospital, Edinburgh. The University of Glasgow awarded him the honorary degree, Doctor of law.