James Douglas-Hamilton, Baron Selkirk of Douglas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Selkirk of Douglas
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Official portrait, 2018
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| Minister of State for Scotland | |
| In office 6 July 1995 – 2 May 1997 |
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| Prime Minister | John Major |
| Preceded by | The Lord Fraser of Carmyllie |
| Succeeded by | Brian Wilson |
| Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland | |
| In office 13 June 1987 – 6 July 1995 |
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| Prime Minister |
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| Preceded by | Michael Ancram |
| Succeeded by | Raymond Robertson |
| Lord Commissioner of the Treasury | |
| In office 7 May 1979 – 1 October 1981 |
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| Prime Minister | Margaret Thatcher |
| Preceded by | Alfred Bates |
| Succeeded by | Tony Newton |
| Member of the Scottish Parliament for Lothians (1 of 7 Regional MSPs) |
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| In office 6 May 1999 – 2 April 2007 |
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| Member of the House of Lords | |
| Life peerage 29 September 1997 – 27 July 2023 |
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| Member of Parliament for Edinburgh West |
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| In office 10 October 1974 – 8 April 1997 |
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| Preceded by | Anthony Stodart |
| Succeeded by | Donald Gorrie |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Alexander Douglas-Hamilton
31 July 1942 Dungavel House, Lanarkshire, Scotland |
| Died | 28 November 2023 (aged 81) |
| Political party | Scottish Conservative |
| Spouse |
Priscilla Susan Buchan
(m. 1974) |
| Children | 4 |
| Parents |
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| Alma mater | |
James Alexander Douglas-Hamilton, Baron Selkirk of Douglas (born 31 July 1942 – died 28 November 2023) was a Scottish politician. He was a member of the Scottish Conservative Party. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Edinburgh West. Later, he became a member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the Lothians area. From 1997 to 2023, he was also a member of the House of Lords as a life peer. A life peer is someone given a special title for their lifetime, allowing them to sit in the House of Lords.
In 1994, he briefly held the title of Earl of Selkirk. However, he gave up this title to stay in the House of Commons. This was allowed by the Peerage Act 1963.
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Early Life and Education
James Alexander Douglas-Hamilton was born on 31 July 1942. His birthplace was Dungavel House in Scotland. His father was the 14th Duke of Hamilton. His mother was Lady Elizabeth Percy.
He went to Eton College, a famous school. After that, he studied at Balliol College, Oxford, where he led the Oxford Union debating society. He also earned a law degree from the University of Edinburgh.
Political Journey
Before becoming a politician, James Douglas-Hamilton worked as a lawyer. He was a councillor for Edinburgh District Council from 1972 to 1974.
In October 1974, he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Edinburgh West. He held this position until 1997. During his time as an MP, he worked in the Scottish Office. This government department deals with Scottish affairs.
From 1987 to 1995, he was a junior minister, called the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland. Then, from 1995 to 1997, he became a more senior minister, the Minister of State. In 1996, he was given the special titles of Privy Counsellor and Queen's Counsel.
Becoming a Peer
In 1994, James Douglas-Hamilton inherited the title of Earl of Selkirk. However, there was a disagreement about who should get the title. Even though the issue was not fully decided, he was not allowed to vote in the House of Commons while he held the title. The government at the time had only a small majority of votes. Because of this, he decided to give up the title quickly so he could continue voting as an MP.
After he lost his seat in the 1997 general election, he was given a new title. He became Baron Selkirk of Douglas, a life peer. This meant he could join the House of Lords. He retired from the House of Lords on 27 July 2023.
Serving in the Scottish Parliament
From 1999 to 2007, he was a member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP). He was also the deputy leader of the Education Committee in the Scottish Parliament. In 2005, he announced that he would retire from the Scottish Parliament. He continued to be a member of the House of Lords, focusing on how British laws affected Scotland.
Author and Family Life
Lord Selkirk of Douglas also wrote several books. One of his books, Motive For a Mission, was about his father's meeting with Rudolf Hess during World War II. He also wrote a biography about Rudolf Hess called The Truth About Rudolf Hess.
On 24 August 1974, he married Priscilla Susan Buchan. They had four sons:
- John Andrew Douglas-Hamilton, born in 1978
- Charles Douglas Douglas Hamilton, born in 1979
- James Robert Douglas-Hamilton, born in 1981
- Harry Alexander Douglas-Hamilton, born in 1981
He passed away from pneumonia on 28 November 2023, at the age of 81.
