Eric Sutherland, 4th Lord Duffus facts for kids
Eric Sutherland (who passed away in 1768) was known as the 4th Lord Duffus. This was an important title in the Scottish nobility, meaning he came from a powerful and respected family. He was also part of the wider Clan Sutherland, a large family group in Scotland.
Eric was the oldest son of Kenneth Sutherland, 3rd Lord Duffus and his mother, Charlotta Christina. His mother's father was Eric Sioblade, who was a governor in Gothenburg.
Becoming Lord Duffus
Eric Sutherland was born around August 10, 1710. After his father died in 1734, Eric became the 4th Lord Duffus, though this was more of an honorary title at first.
His father had faced some legal trouble because he couldn't surrender on time during a big event called the Jacobite rising of 1715. This meant his father's title was taken away. Eric tried to get the title back for himself by asking George II of Great Britain, the king at the time. However, the House of Lords (a part of the British Parliament) decided that Eric did not have the right to the title.
Even though the official decision was against him, Eric and his wife still used the title. It seems their neighbors and friends accepted him as Lord Duffus.
Loyalty and Service
Eric Sutherland was an Ensign (a junior officer) in a military group called Colonel Disney's Regiment in 1731.
Later, during another important event called the Jacobite rising of 1745, Eric chose to stay loyal to the King. He even helped by sharing information about the rebels with the Earl of Sutherland. Some historians say he didn't take part in any battles, while others say he was a captain in the Earl of Sutherland's regiment. Eric Sutherland had a very good relationship with the Earl of Sutherland's family.
Eric Sutherland passed away on August 28, 1768. People often say he died at Skibo Castle, but it's more likely he died at Skelbo Castle, where he had a home.
His Family
Eric Sutherland, the 4th Lord Duffus, married his cousin, Elizabeth. Her father was Sir James Dunbar of Hempriggs. He had changed his family name from Sutherland to Dunbar after marrying into the Dunbar family.
Eric and Elizabeth had several children:
- James Sutherland, who became the 5th Lord Duffus (1747-1827). His title was officially given back to him by Parliament in 1826.
- Axel or Axley Sutherland.
- Elizabeth Sutherland, who married Captain Alexander Sinclair and had children. Later, she married Charles Sinclair of Olrig and had more children.
- Charlotte Sutherland, who married Sir John Sinclair of Mey. They had a son named James Sinclair, 12th Earl of Caithness.
- Anne Sutherland, who married George Mackay of Skibo and had children.
