James Ogilvy, 6th Earl of Findlater facts for kids

James Ogilvy, the 6th Earl of Findlater, was an important Scottish nobleman who lived from about 1714 to 1770. He was known for helping his community and improving life for people in Scotland.

Life of James Ogilvy

James was born around 1714. His father was James Ogilvy, 5th Earl of Findlater, and his mother was Lady Elizabeth Hay.

When James was young, he traveled abroad. He met a famous writer named Horace Walpole. Walpole thought James was very smart, saying he had "so good an understanding." Before he became the Earl in 1764, people knew him as Lord Deskford.

James was very interested in helping local businesses and farming grow. In 1752, he opened a large bleachfield in Deskford. This was a place where linen fabric was made white. He also started a factory in Cullen, Moray, to make linen and damask cloth.

From 1754 to 1761, he worked as a commissioner for customs in Scotland. This meant he helped manage taxes on goods coming into the country. In 1765, he became one of the lords of police, helping with law and order. He also worked to improve fishing and other industries.

James greatly helped farming in Banffshire. He showed farmers how to grow turnips, which was a new idea then. He also gave farmers long leases on their land. This meant they could rent the land for many years. In return, they had to improve their farms and use better planting methods. To protect young trees on his land, he even offered farmers a share of the trees or their value when their leases ended.

James Ogilvy died at Cullen House on November 3, 1770.

Family

James Ogilvy was married to Lady Mary. She was the daughter of John Murray, 1st Duke of Atholl. They had two sons:

• James, who became the 7th Earl of Findlater. He died in 1811 in Dresden. He was the last earl from the Ogilvy family line.
• John, who died in 1763.