James Lindesay-Bethune, 16th Earl of Lindsay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Lindsay
DL
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Lindesay-Bethune in 2018
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| Member of the House of Lords | |
| Hereditary peerage 21 December 1989 – 11 November 1999 |
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| Preceded by | The 15th Earl of Lindsay |
| Succeeded by | Seat abolished |
| Elected Hereditary Peer 11 November 1999 – 29 April 2026 |
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| Election | 1999 |
| Preceded by | Seat established |
| Succeeded by | Seat abolished |
| Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland | |
| In office 6 July 1995 – 2 May 1997 |
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| Preceded by | Sir Hector Monro |
| Succeeded by | Sam Galbraith |
| Lord-in-waiting Government Whip |
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| In office 12 January 1995 – 6 July 1995 |
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| Preceded by | The Lord Inglewood |
| Succeeded by | The Earl of Courtown |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Randolph Lindesay-Bethune
19 November 1955 |
| Died | 9 October 2026 (aged 70) |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouse |
Diana Chamberlayne-Macdonald
(m. 1982) |
| Children | Lady Frances Gabinsky Lady Alexandra Coleman William Lindesay-Bethune, 17th Earl of Lindsay Hon. David Lindesay-Bethune Princess Charlotte, Duchess of Noto |
| Parents |
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| Education | University of Edinburgh University of California, Davis |
James Randolph Lindesay-Bethune, 16th Earl of Lindsay was a Scottish businessman and politician. As a member of the Conservative Party, he served in the government of the United Kingdom. He worked for many years in the House of Lords, which is part of the British Parliament. He was also known for his work protecting Scottish history and nature.
Early Life and Schooling
James was born on 19 November 1955. His father was David Lindesay-Bethune, 15th Earl of Lindsay, and his mother was Mary Douglas-Scott-Montagu. Because his family had a noble title, he grew up learning about public service and leadership.
As a young boy, he went to school at Eton. Later, he studied at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He also traveled to the United States to study at the University of California, Davis. His studies helped him understand business, land care, and agriculture.
Career in Government and Nature
In 1989, James took over his family title as the Earl of Lindsay after his father passed away. This title allowed him to become a hereditary peer in Parliament. Later, rules changed under the House of Lords Act 1999, and peers had to be chosen through the 1999 House of Lords elections. He won his election and kept serving as an elected hereditary peer.
During his political career, Lord Lindsay worked under Prime Minister John Major. He worked as a Lord-in-waiting and a Government Whip. Later, he served as the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland. In that role, he helped look after Scottish farming, fishing, and natural lands.
Lord Lindsay also loved nature and historic buildings. Between 2012 and 2017, he served as the leader of the National Trust of Scotland. This group works hard to protect wild landscapes, castles, and historic sites. In 2021, he also became the president of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute to help protect shoppers and businesses.
Family Life
In 1982, James married Diana Mary Chamberlayne-Macdonald. Her family was connected to the famous Macdonald of Sleat family. Together, James and Diana had five children: Frances, Alexandra, William, David, and Charlotte.
Their oldest son, William Lindesay-Bethune, 17th Earl of Lindsay, later married Lady Violet Manners. Their daughter Charlotte married Prince Jaime, Duke of Noto, in a ceremony at Monreale Cathedral in the Metropolitan City of Palermo.
Lord Lindsay passed away on 9 October 2026 at the age of 70 after an illness. He is remembered for his years of work in government and his dedication to Scottish heritage.
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