James Erskine, Earl of Mar and Kellie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Mar and Kellie
DL
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| Member of the House of Lords | |
| as a hereditary peer 23 December 1993 – 11 November 1999 |
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| Preceded by | The 13th Earl of Mar and 15th Earl of Kellie |
| Succeeded by | Seat abolished |
| as a life peer 19 April 2000 – 30 June 2017 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 March 1949 |
| Political party | Liberal Democrat |
James Thorne Erskine, born on March 10, 1949, is a Scottish nobleman. He is known as the 14th Earl of Mar and 16th Earl of Kellie. He also holds the title of Baron Erskine of Alloa Tower. He used to be a member of the House of Lords, which is part of the UK Parliament. He was a member of the Liberal Democrat political party.
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Early Life and Career
James Erskine went to Eton College, a famous school. In 1962 and 1963, he was a Page of Honour for Queen Elizabeth II. This was a special role helping the Queen.
After school, he studied at Moray House College of Education in Edinburgh. He then worked as a social worker for different local councils in Scotland. He also worked as a boat builder. He served in the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service.
Time in the House of Lords
James Erskine became an Earl in 1993. He took his seat in the House of Lords in 1994. The House of Lords is the second chamber of the UK Parliament. He joined the Liberal Democrat group there.
In 1999, a new law called the House of Lords Act 1999 changed how members were chosen. Because of this law, he lost his seat. However, on April 19, 2000, he was given a new title. He became a life peer called Baron Erskine of Alloa Tower. This new title allowed him to return to the House of Lords.
In 1999, he also ran as a candidate for the Scottish Parliament in the Ochil area. However, he was not elected. He officially retired from the House of Lords on June 30, 2017.
Other Titles and Roles
As the 16th Viscount Fentoun, James Erskine holds a special position. He is the most senior Viscount in the Peerage of Scotland. He is also the Chief of the Name and Arms of Clan Erskine. This means he is the recognized head of the Erskine family clan. Since 1991, he has been a Deputy Lieutenant of Clackmannanshire. This is a local role representing the King in the county.
The Earldom of Mar
There are two different Earldoms of Mar. This is because of a disagreement that happened a long time ago in the 1800s. One Earldom is held by James Erskine, the Earl of Mar and Kellie. The other Earldom of Mar is held by Margaret Alison of Mar.
According to an old ranking from 1606, the Countess of Mar's title is older. It was created in 1404. The Earl of Mar and Kellie's title was created later, in 1619.
Family and Heir
James Erskine, the Earl of Mar and Kellie, does not have any children. This means his younger brother, Alexander David Erskine, is next in line to inherit his titles. He is known as the heir presumptive.
