Sir James Fergusson, 8th Baronet facts for kids

Sir James Fergusson (born September 18, 1904 – died October 25, 1973) was an important Scottish person. He was a nobleman, a writer, a radio and TV personality, and a historian. He held a special title called the 8th Baronet of Kilkerran. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE).

Sir James Fergusson's Early Life and Career

James Fergusson was born in a place called Dailly in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1904. His father was Sir Charles Fergusson, 7th Baronet, and his mother was Lady Alice Mary Boyle. James had a younger brother named Bernard Fergusson, Baron Ballantrae. He went to a famous school called Eton College. After that, he studied at Balliol College, Oxford University.

James Fergusson started his career as a writer. He worked for Blackwood’s Magazine in Edinburgh. In 1934, he joined BBC Scotland. He helped the Scottish Regional Director, Melville Dinwiddie. He also served as a town councillor for Haddington, East Lothian.

World War II and Broadcasting

During the Second World War, James Fergusson stayed with the BBC. He joined the BBC Home Service. He gave comments on Nazi propaganda. He also traveled around the Middle East.

After the war, Fergusson became a main writer for the Glasgow Herald newspaper. He worked there from 1945 to 1949. He also appeared on a popular radio show. It was called "Round Britain Quiz." He was on the show with Jack House from 1947 to 1968.

Keeper of the Records of Scotland

In 1949, James Fergusson got a very important job. He became the official Keeper of the Records of Scotland. This means he was in charge of all the old, important documents and historical papers for Scotland. His office was at Register House in Edinburgh.

He stayed in this role until 1969. During his time, the office grew a lot. It took on many more tasks. After he left, the office expanded even more. They even turned an old church into a new part of the records office. When his father passed away in 1951, James became the 8th Baronet of Kilkerran.

Later Achievements and Roles

In 1960, the University of Glasgow gave James Fergusson an honorary degree. It was called an LLD. This was a special award for his achievements.

In 1968, Fergusson was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a group of top scientists and thinkers in Scotland. He was also a Trustee for the National Gallery of Scotland. He helped look after the country's art collections. He was also a Trustee for the National Trust for Scotland. This group protects important places and buildings.

He was a member of the Royal Company of Archers. This is a ceremonial group that acts as the King's or Queen's bodyguard in Scotland. From 1969 to 1973, he was the Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire. This role means he was the King's or Queen's personal representative in that area.

James Fergusson passed away on October 25, 1973. He was buried in his family's graveyard at Kilkerran.

Family Life

James Fergusson married Louise Frances Balfour Stratford Dugdale in 1930. Her parents were Edgar Dugdale and Blanche Dugdale.

They had two sons. Their son Charles became the 9th Baronet of Kilkerran. Their other son was Adam Fergusson (MEP). They also had two daughters. Alice married Tim Renton, Baron Renton of Mount Harry. Their daughter Christian sadly passed away at a young age.