Robin Sinclair, 2nd Viscount Thurso facts for kids
Robin Macdonald Sinclair, the 2nd Viscount Thurso, was an important Scottish landowner, businessman, and politician from the Liberal Party. He was also a Justice of the Peace, which means he was a local official who helped keep the peace and handle minor legal matters. From 1973 until he passed away, he held the special role of Lord Lieutenant of Caithness, representing the King or Queen in that area of Scotland.
Early Life and Family
Robin Sinclair was born on December 24, 1922, in Kingston Vale. He was the oldest son of Archibald Sinclair, 1st Viscount Thurso, who was a leader of the Liberal Party. His mother was Marigold Forbes.
He went to school at Eton College, which is a famous boarding school. Later, he studied at New College, Oxford and Edinburgh University. At Edinburgh University, he was very active in the Boat Club. He was the Captain of Boats from 1946 to 1947. He even won special awards for his rowing, called a "Green" in 1946 and a "Blue" in 1947.
In 1952, Robin Sinclair married Margaret Beaumont. They had two sons and one daughter together. When his father passed away in 1970, Robin inherited the title of Viscount Thurso. He held this title until his own death in 1995. His son, John Thurso, then became the 3rd Viscount Thurso.
Working Life and Business
Robin Sinclair served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) from 1941 to 1946 during World War II. He was a Flight Lieutenant in different squadrons. After the war, he even commanded the Edinburgh University Air Squadron in 1946.
He was also a very successful businessman. He was the person who started and was the first Chairman of Caithness Glass Ltd, a company known for making beautiful glass items. He also led other companies, including Sinclair Family Trust Ltd, Lochdhu Hotels Ltd, and Thurso Fisheries Ltd. He was also a director at Stephens (Plastics) Ltd.
Public Service and Politics
Robin Sinclair was active in local politics. In 1949, he was elected as a Liberal to the Caithness County Council. He also joined the Thurso Town Council in 1957. He served on both councils for several years, from 1957 to 1961, and again from 1965 to 1973. He was also a member of the Scottish Liberal Party Executive, which helped guide the party's decisions in Scotland.
In 1966, he ran for a seat in the UK Parliament for the East Aberdeenshire area. Even though the area usually voted Conservative, he managed to get more votes for the Liberal Party. He didn't win the election, but he showed strong support for his party. He did not run for Parliament again after that.
He was a big supporter of the Boys' Brigade, a youth organization that helps young people develop skills and character. In 1959, he was appointed a Justice of the Peace. This meant he could help with legal duties in his local area. In 1973, he was given the important role of Lord Lieutenant of Caithness, representing the monarch in the region.
