Alexander Sutherland, 8th of Duffus facts for kids
Alexander Sutherland, 8th of Duffus (who died around 1570) was an important member of a Scottish noble family. He belonged to a smaller part of the powerful Clan Sutherland.
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Early Life
Alexander was the son of William Sutherland, 7th of Duffus, who passed away in 1543. When his father died, Alexander was still a child, but he inherited the family lands, including Duffus Castle.
In December 1554, he was officially given control of the lands of Skelbo Castle and Invershin. This was allowed by John Gordon, 11th Earl of Sutherland, who was the main lord over these areas. By May 1555, Alexander was likely an adult, as he received full ownership of the lands of Duffus and other areas near Elgin, Moray.
Laird of Duffus
Alexander Sutherland was a member of the Scottish Parliament in August 1560. This Parliament agreed to an important religious statement called the first Confession of Faith.
In November 1562, the Earl of Sutherland made all the lands belonging to Sutherland of Duffus in Sutherland into a special area called the barony of Skelbo. This meant Alexander and his future family would hold these lands. In June 1563, the Earl of Sutherland lost his rights to some lands. Because of this, Alexander Sutherland of Duffus received a direct grant of the Skelbo lands from the Scottish Crown. He paid 1000 merks, an old type of money, for them.
Alexander owned a lot of land in both Morayshire and Sutherland. This caught the attention of George Sinclair, 4th Earl of Caithness. On July 20, 1559, Alexander and the Earl of Caithness made an agreement to work together. At this time, Alexander's son, also named Alexander, was only about five years old. They agreed that Alexander's eldest son, or his brothers' eldest son, would marry Elizabeth Sinclair, the Earl of Caithness's daughter.
Alexander Sutherland of Duffus often supported the Earl of Caithness in political matters. He also got involved in the Earl's fights with other powerful families. For example, in December 1565, Alexander's brothers took control of Berriedale Castle, even though Laurence Oliphant, 3rd Lord Oliphant was the rightful owner.
Alexander also helped Caithness attack the town of Dornoch in 1567. He supported him again in 1570 at the Battle of Torran-Roy, after which Dornoch Cathedral was burned. Some historical accounts say that Alexander Sutherland of Duffus was the one who put to death the people who had been given as a promise to the Earl of Caithness by the people of Dornoch. It is said that he felt so bad about this that he became ill and died soon after. He was alive in March 1569-70, but there is no mention of him after that date.
Family
Alexander Sutherland, 8th of Duffus, married Janet Grant. Their marriage agreement was made on January 26, 1552–53, when he was still underage. Janet was the third daughter of James Grant of Freuchie.
Their children were:
- Alexander Sutherland, who did not become the next owner of Duffus. He married Elizabeth Sinclair, the daughter of the Earl of Caithness. It is not known if he lived longer than his father.
- William Sutherland, 9th of Duffus, who inherited the Duffus lands. He married Margaret Sinclair, another daughter of the Earl of Caithness, first. Later, he married Margaret Mackintosh.
- James Sutherland of Kinstearie, who married Violet Fraser. They had children who continued his family line.
- Elizabeth Sutherland, who married Archibald Douglas of Pittendriech.
See Also
- Lord Duffus
