Alexander Scrymgeour, 12th Earl of Dundee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Dundee
DL
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| Member of the House of Lords | |
| as a hereditary peer 28 October 1983 – 11 November 1999 |
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| Preceded by | The 11th Earl of Dundee |
| Succeeded by | Seat abolished |
| as an elected hereditary peer 11 November 1999 |
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| Election | 1999 |
| Preceded by | Seat established |
| Lord-in-waiting Government Whip |
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| In office 3 October 1986 – 26 July 1989 |
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| Prime Minister | Margaret Thatcher |
| Preceded by | new appointment |
| Succeeded by | The Lord Reay |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 5 June 1949 |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouse |
Siobhan Mary Llewellyn
(m. 1979; |
Alexander Henry Scrymgeour, the 12th Earl of Dundee, was born on June 5, 1949. He is a Scottish peer, which means he holds a special title passed down through his family. He is also a politician for the Conservative Party and the leader of the Clan Scrymgeour.
Contents
Early Life and Education
The Earl of Dundee is the son of Henry Scrymgeour-Wedderburn, the 11th Earl of Dundee, and Patricia Montagu Douglas Scott. He went to Ludgrove School and Eton College, which are well-known schools in the UK. After that, he studied at the University of St Andrews. When he was younger, he had the special role of a Page of Honour to Queen Elizabeth II.
Political Career and Public Service
The Earl of Dundee first became active in politics in 1978. He ran as a candidate for the Conservative Party in a special election in Hamilton.
Serving in the House of Lords
Since his father passed away in 1983, Lord Dundee has been a member of the House of Lords. This is part of the UK Parliament. From 1986 to 1989, he worked as a Lord-in-waiting. This role meant he was a whip for the Conservative Party in the House of Lords. A whip helps make sure party members vote together.
During this time, he also spoke for the government on different topics. He was a spokesperson for Education from 1986 to 1988. He also spoke about Scottish Affairs from 1986 to 1989. From 1987 to 1989, he was a spokesperson for Home Affairs and Energy. In 1999, he became an elected hereditary peer. This meant he could continue to be a member of the House of Lords after some changes were made to how members are chosen.
International Roles
Lord Dundee has also worked on international matters. From 1992 to 1997, he was the UK's representative to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. He was also a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the Western European parliament from 1992 to 1999.
He is currently the honorary consul for Croatia in Edinburgh. This means he helps represent Croatia's interests in Scotland. He has also received an award called the Order of Duke Branimir from Croatia. The Dundee Trust, which he is involved with, helps people in Croatia by providing aid to those in need.
Other Interests and Roles
Besides his political work, Lord Dundee is also a farmer. He has over 30 years of experience in farming. His company manages about 2000 acres of land in Fife and Angus. In the House of Lords, he has often used his experience to discuss farming and environmental issues. More recently, he has also shown interest in health questions.
Lord Dundee holds several important traditional titles. He is the Hereditary Royal Standard Bearer of Scotland. This means his family has the right to carry the Royal Standard (a special flag) for Scotland. He is also the Constable of Dundee and the Chief of the Name and Arms of Scrymgeour. In 2023, he was one of the peers who carried the Royal Standards at the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
He is a member of two private clubs: the New Club in Edinburgh and Whites in London.
Family Life
Lord Dundee married Siobhan Mary Llewellyn on July 19, 1979. She passed away on March 11, 2019. They had four children together:
- Lady Marina Patricia Scrymgeour (born August 21, 1980)
- Henry David Scrymgeour-Wedderburn, Viscount Dudhope (born June 20, 1982)
- Lady Flora Hermione Vera Scrymgeour (born November 3, 1985)
- Lady Lavinia Rebecca Elizabeth Scrymgeour (born 1986)
