Historiographer Royal (Scotland) facts for kids

The Historiographer Royal is a special role within the Royal household of Scotland. This job was first created way back in 1681. It was put on hold for a long time, from 1709 until 1763. Then, it was brought back for William Robertson, who was a leader at the University of Edinburgh.

Today, this position doesn't have official duties or a salary. The King or Queen appoints the Historiographer Royal. This is done through a special document called a Letters Patent, sealed with the Great Seal of Scotland.

The person currently holding this role is Christopher Smout. He is a retired Professor of History from the University of St Andrews.

Who Has Been the Historiographer Royal?

Here is a list of the people who have held the important role of Historiographer Royal:

• James Crawford DD: November 11, 1681
• William Turner DD: September 30, 1682
• James Fall: December 16, 1682
• Christopher Irving MD: July 30, 1686
• William Dunlop: January 31, 1693
• Daniel Campbell: April 1, 1700
• David Crawford Jr. of Drumsoy: October 5, 1704
• David Sympsone: May 12, 1708 – July 4, 1709
• The position was empty from 1709 until 1763.
• Rev William Robertson DD: August 6, 1763
• John Gillies LLD: June 15, 1793
• George Brodie: March 5, 1836
• John Hill Burton LLD: August 29, 1867
• William Forbes Skene DCL LLD: November 14, 1881
• David Masson LLD: March 3, 1893
• Peter Hume Brown: May 4, 1908
• Sir Robert Sangster Rait CBE MA: January 11, 1919
• Robert Kerr Hannay LLD FRSE: July 14, 1930
• Henry William Meikle MA DLitt: September 23, 1940
• J. D. Mackie OBE MC LLD: September 19, 1958 – 1978
• Gordon Donaldson CBE: 1979–1993
• Christopher Smout CBE: 1993–Present