James Scott (1671–1732) facts for kids

James Scott (born 1671, died October 1732) was an important Scottish politician. He came from Logie and Castlested in Forfar. James Scott served in the Parliament of Scotland from 1702 to 1707. After Scotland joined with England to form Great Britain, he also served in the new British House of Commons from 1707 until he passed away in 1732.

Who Was James Scott?

James Scott was a Scottish politician who lived in the late 1600s and early 1700s. He played a role in the government during a time of big changes for Scotland. He was known for representing different areas in Parliament.

Early Life and Family

James Scott was born in 1671. He was the oldest son of James Scott of Logie. His mother was Agnes Falconer. Her father was Sir Alexander Falconer, a well-known person from Glenfarquhar.

His own father, also named James Scott, was a Shire Commissioner for Forfarshire. This meant he represented the area in the Scottish Parliament starting in 1693. In 1692, James Scott married Isabella Bannerman. She was the daughter of Sir Alexander Bannerman.

Starting His Political Career

James Scott began his own political journey as a Shire Commissioner for Forfarshire. He held this role from 1698 to 1702. In 1700, he became a Joint Master of Works for Scotland. This job involved overseeing public building projects.

He also served as a Commissioner Justiciary for the Highlands in 1701 and 1702. This role involved legal duties in the northern parts of Scotland. From 1702 to 1707, he was a Burgh Commissioner for Montrose. This meant he represented the town of Montrose in the Scottish Parliament.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

In 1707, Scotland and England joined together to form Great Britain. After this, James Scott became a Member of Parliament for Scotland. He served in the very first Parliament of Great Britain.

In the 1708 election, he tried to become an MP for Aberdeen Burghs. However, he was not successful that time. In 1710, he became the provost (like a mayor) of Montrose. Later that year, he was elected MP for Aberdeen Burghs in the 1710 general election. But his election was challenged, and he lost his seat in February 1711.

In July 1712, James Scott strongly disagreed with a new law. He publicly showed his opposition in Montrose. He did not run in the next two general elections.

Later Years and Legacy

After the Jacobite Rebellion in 1715, many families in Forfarshire lost their power. The MP for the county was removed from Parliament. James Scott supported the government, so he was elected without anyone running against him. This happened in a special election on July 30, 1716, for Forfarshire.

He became provost of Montrose again in 1722. He was re-elected as MP for Forfarshire without opposition in the 1722 general election. In 1725, he faced public anger in Dundee over a new tax on malt (a grain used to make drinks). Soldiers had to help him stay safe.

He was elected for Forfarshire again in the 1727 general election. He supported the government's decision about soldiers from Hesse in 1730.

James Scott passed away in October 1732, when he was 61 years old. He and his wife, Isabella, had three sons: James, Alexander, and John. They also had six daughters: Margaret, Katherine, Isabella, Helen, Mary, and Elizabeth. His sons did not have children. Because of this, his estate, Logie, went to his daughter Margaret. She was married to Alexander Mill.