Peter Buchan, was a Scottish editor, publisher, and collector of ballads and folktales.

Buchan produced his first book, a collection of verse, in 1814. In 1816, he went to Stirling to learn the printing process, becoming proficient enough to produce samples within a matter of ten days. He established business as a printer in Peterhead in March 1816, with the support of the Earl of Buchan who recommended a friend to fund the purchase of the press.

In the early years of business, he printed a series of chapbooks. He also invented his own printing press named the "Auchmedden", a pedal-operated device that accepted stone, copper, as well as type surfaces for printing. His The Annals of Peterhead (1819) had copper-plate illustrations which he himself engraved. Scarce Ancient Ballads (1819), and Gleanings of Scarce Old Ballads (1825) were early publications that foreshadowed what would be his lifelong interest.

After this he held a position in London from which drew a ₤150 annual income, but having compromised his health, he retired to Peterhead and devoted himself to the collection of Scottish ballads from oral sources, and their publication. His Ancient Ballads and Songs of the North of Scotland (1828) contained a large number of hitherto unpublished ballads, and newly discovered versions of existing ones. Another collection made by him was published by the Percy Society, under the title Scottish Traditional Versions of Ancient Ballads (1845).

Buchan had also compiled a collection of folktales which was later published as Ancient Scottish Tales (1908).

Buchan was an early animal rights writer. In 1824, he authored a book that argued that animals have souls and are immortal.