John Scott, 9th Duke of Buccleuch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry
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Portrait of Scott by Allan Warren
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| Predecessor | William Milligan |
| Successor | Alexander Fletcher |
| Born | Walter Francis John Montagu Douglas Scott 28 September 1923 |
| Died | 4 September 2007 (aged 83) |
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Walter Francis John Montagu Douglas Scott (born September 28, 1923 – died September 4, 2007) was a very important person in Scotland. He was a peer, which means he held a special noble title. He was also a politician, serving in the UK Parliament, and a huge landowner, meaning he owned a lot of land.
He fought in the Second World War with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Later, he was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Edinburgh North for 13 years.
He owned the largest private land estate in the United Kingdom. This estate covered about 280,000 acres (1,133 square kilometers). It included famous homes like Drumlanrig Castle in Scotland, Bowhill House also in Scotland, and Boughton House in England. Another house, Dalkeith Palace, near Edinburgh, was used by a study abroad program for many years.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Walter Francis John Montagu Douglas Scott was usually called John. He was the only son of the 8th Duke of Buccleuch and 10th Duke of Queensberry, Walter Montagu Douglas Scott, and Mary Lascelles. His sister, Lady Elizabeth, married the 10th Duke of Northumberland. Another sister, Lady Caroline, married a politician named Ian Gilmour.
His aunt was Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, who was related to the royal family.
John was known as Johnny Dalkeith because of his courtesy title of Earl of Dalkeith. He went to a famous school called Eton College.
Career Highlights
Military Service
In 1942, John joined the Royal Navy as a regular sailor. The next year, he became an officer and served on destroyer ships. After the war, he continued to serve as a Lieutenant-Commander in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve until 1971. He received the Volunteer Reserve Decoration in 1959 for his service. In 1988, he was made an Honorary Captain in the Royal Naval Reserve.
Political Journey
After the war, John studied at Christ Church, Oxford university. He then worked briefly as a merchant banker in London, helping businesses with money matters. Later, he became a director of an insurance company.
As the Earl of Dalkeith, he became a local County Councillor for Roxburghshire in 1958. He tried to become an MP in 1959 but lost. However, he was elected as a Unionist (and later Conservative) Member of Parliament for Edinburgh North in 1960.
He worked as a special assistant to government ministers from 1961 to 1964. He even won against a young Robin Cook in the 1970 election.
Overcoming Challenges
In 1971, John had a serious hunting accident. He was thrown from his horse, which then fell on him. This accident caused a severe spinal cord injury, leaving him unable to move his legs. He spent the rest of his life using a wheelchair.
Despite this, he became a strong voice for people with disabilities. In October 1971, he was the first MP after World War II to enter the House of Commons chamber in a wheelchair. The leader of the Labour Party, Harold Wilson, even crossed the floor to shake his hand, showing great respect.
John left the House of Commons in October 1973 because his father passed away, and he became the new Duke. This meant he joined the House of Lords, which is the upper house of the UK Parliament. He stayed there for 25 years, speaking about issues related to the countryside, disability rights, and the government. He left the House of Lords in 1999 when new rules changed who could be a member.
Personal Life
On January 10, 1953, John married Jane McNeill at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh. Important guests, including Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, attended the wedding. Jane was a famous fashion model.
John and Jane had four children:
- Richard Scott, 10th Duke of Buccleuch (born 1954)
- Lady Charlotte-Anne Montagu Douglas Scott (born 1956)
- Lord John Montagu Douglas Scott (born 1957)
- Lord Damian Torquil Francis Charles Montagu Douglas Scott (born 1970)
In 2003, a famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci, called Madonna with the Yarnwinder, was stolen from Drumlanrig Castle. Luckily, it was found in October 2007, shortly after the Duke's death.
The Duke passed away after a short illness on September 4, 2007, at Bowhill House. He was buried on September 11, 2007, at Melrose Abbey, next to his parents. His cousin, Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, was among the many people who attended the burial.
Important Roles and Awards
Leadership Roles
The Duke held many important positions, often as a chairman or president of different organizations. He was involved with groups helping people with disabilities, like RADAR, and agricultural societies. He also led trusts focused on preserving landscapes and heritage.
Some of his key roles included:
- RADAR (a disability charity): Chairman (1977–1993), President (1993–2007)
- Buccleuch Heritage Trust: (1985–2007)
- Living Landscape Trust: (1985–2007)
- President of The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (1969)
- St Andrew's Ambulance Association: (1972–2007)
- Royal Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children: Vice President
Honours and Awards
The Duke received several high honours for his service and contributions:
- Knight of the Order of the Thistle (1978): This is a very special award in Scotland. He later became the Chancellor of this Order (1992–2007).
- Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Decoration (1959)
- Justice of the Peace for Roxburgh (1975)
- Deputy Lieutenant and Lord-Lieutenant: These are important local roles representing the King or Queen in different areas of Scotland.
- Bledisloe Gold Medal (1992)
- Chief of Clan Scott (1973–2007)
Honorary Military Appointments
- Captain, Royal Naval Reserve (1988–2007)
