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, 12th Earl of Dundee (born 5 June 1949), is a Scottish nobleman and a politician. He is a member of the Conservative Party and leads the Clan Scrymgeour.
The Earl of Dundee has played an important role in British politics. He has been a member of the House of Lords for many years. He also holds several traditional Scottish titles.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Alexander Henry Scrymgeour was born on 5 June 1949. His father was the 11th Earl of Dundee, Henry Scrymgeour-Wedderburn. His mother was Patricia Montagu Douglas Scott.
He went to Ludgrove School and then Eton College. After that, he studied at the University of St Andrews. When he was younger, he was a Page of Honour to Queen Elizabeth II. This was a special role helping the Queen at official events.
Political Career
Lord Scrymgeour first became active in politics in 1978. He ran as a candidate for the Conservative Party in a special election in Hamilton.
In the House of Lords
He joined the House of Lords in 1983 after his father passed away. The House of Lords is part of the UK Parliament. It reviews laws and discusses important issues.
From 1986 to 1989, he served as a Lord-in-waiting. This means he was a whip for the Conservative Party in the House of Lords. Whips help make sure party members vote in line with the party's plans.
He also spoke for the government on different topics:
- Education (1986–1988)
- Scottish Affairs (1986–1989)
- Home Affairs and Energy (1987–1989)
In 1999, a new law changed how members of the House of Lords were chosen. He was then elected as a "hereditary peer". This allowed him to keep his seat in the House of Lords.
International Work
Lord Dundee has also worked on international matters.
- From 1992 to 1997, he was the UK delegate to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. This group works for peace and security.
- He was also a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the Western European parliament from 1992 to 1999. These groups promote cooperation in Europe.
He is the honorary consul for Croatia in Edinburgh. This means he helps represent Croatia's interests in Scotland. He has also received an award from Croatia, called the Order of Prince Branimir.
The Dundee Trust is a group that works in Croatia. It helps distribute humanitarian aid to people in need in the Balkans.
Other Interests and Roles
Lord Dundee has a lot of experience in farming. His farming company manages a large area of land in Scotland. In the House of Lords, he has often spoken about farming and environmental issues. More recently, he has also shown interest in health questions.
He holds several very old and important Scottish titles:
- He is the Hereditary Royal Standard Bearer of Scotland. This means he carries the Scottish Royal Standard flag at special events.
- He is also the Constable of Dundee.
- He is the Chief of the Name and Arms of Scrymgeour, which means he is the head of the Scrymgeour family clan.
In 2023, he was one of the noblemen who carried the Royal Standards at the Coronation of King Charles III.
Family
Lord Dundee married Siobhan Mary Llewellyn on 19 July 1979. She passed away on 11 March 2019. They had four children:
- Lady Marina Patricia Scrymgeour (born 1980)
- Henry David Scrymgeour-Wedderburn, Viscount Dudhope (born 1982)
- Lady Flora Hermione Vera Scrymgeour (born 1985)
- Lady Lavinia Rebecca Elizabeth Scrymgeour (born 1986)
Images for kids
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The Coat of Arms of the Earl of Dundee.
