Walter Erskine, Earl of Mar and Kellie (1865–1955) facts for kids
Walter John Francis Erskine, 12th Earl of Mar and 14th Earl of Kellie KT JP (born August 29, 1865 – died June 3, 1955) was an important Scottish nobleman. A nobleman is a person from a high-ranking family, often with a special title like "Earl." Walter Erskine held the titles of the 12th Earl of Mar and the 14th Earl of Kellie. He was also a Knight of the Thistle (KT), which is a special honor, and a Justice of the Peace (JP), meaning he helped keep law and order.
About Walter Erskine
Walter John Francis Erskine was the oldest son of Walter Erskine, who was the 11th Earl of Mar. His mother was Mary Anne Forbes.
Early Life and Education
Walter Erskine went to Eton, a famous school in England. After his schooling, he joined the Scots Guards, which is a part of the British Army. He served as an officer, holding the ranks of 2nd lieutenant and then lieutenant, from 1887 to 1892.
Family Life
In 1888, Walter Erskine became the Earl of Mar and Kellie after his father passed away. In 1892, he married Lady Violet Ashley-Cooper. Her father was Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 8th Earl of Shaftesbury. Walter and Violet had three children:
- Elyne Violet Erskine, who was born and died in 1893.
- John Francis Ashley Erskine, Lord Erskine, born in 1895. He became a Major in the army.
- Captain Hon. Francis Walter Erskine, born in 1899.
Public Service and Honors
Walter Erskine was very active in public life in Scotland. From 1892 to 1950, he served as a Scottish representative peer. This meant he was chosen to represent Scottish noble families in the British Parliament.
He also held several important positions:
- He was the Lord Lieutenant of Clackmannanshire starting in 1898. A Lord Lieutenant represents the King or Queen in a county.
- From 1936 to 1944, he was the Lord Clerk Register, a very old and important role in Scotland that involves keeping official records.
- He was the Hereditary Keeper of Stirling Castle, a historic Scottish castle.
- He was an Honorary Colonel for the 7th Battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, another army group.
- He was also a member of the Royal Company of Archers, which is the King's bodyguard in Scotland.
In 1911, Walter Erskine received a very special honor: he was made a Knight of the Thistle. This is one of the highest honors given in Scotland. Later, from 1932 to 1949, he was the Chancellor of the Order of the Thistle, which means he helped lead this group of honored people.
Walter Erskine passed away in 1955. His oldest son, John, had died before him. So, his grandson, John Erskine (born 1921, died 1993), became the next Earl of Mar and Kellie.
