Baron of Ardoch
| Barony of Ardoch | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Creation date | 1707 |
| Creation | Baronage of Scotland |
| Created by | Robert III of Scotland |
| Present holder | Tommy MacKay, 21st Laird and Baron of Ardoch |
| Heir apparent | Neilson MacKay of Ardoch, Yr |
| Status | extant |
| Seat(s) | Ardoch House |
Baron of Ardoch is a title of nobility in the Baronage of Scotland, tied historically to the Ardoch Estate, located in Dumbartonshire. The lands of Ardoch trace back to 1398, when Robert III of Scotland granted the lands to Finlaw Buntyn, marking the beginning of the estate's long history. In 1707 the lands were erected into the Barony of Ardoch.[1]
History
[edit]Over the centuries, Ardoch became a key estate in the region, serving as an important seat of power. Ardoch House was constructed on the estate in the late 18th century, replacing an earlier medieval structure used by the family from the 1300s.[2]
For centuries, the estate remained under the stewardship of the Bontine family. It was eventually sold in 1987, and the title of Baron of Ardoch passed to its current holder, Tommy MacKay, who assumed the title in 1987. The barony continues to represent an essential part of Scottish heritage, particularly in the Dumbartonshire area.
Present Baron
[edit]Note that all previous holders before the current holder used the title Laird instead of Baron, Tommy MacKay being infeft in the lands and Barony of Ardoch 1987 was recognised by the Lord Lyon as the 21st Laird and 1st Baron of Ardoch.
The current holder is an acclaimed psychologist and academic. In 2021 he received a lifetime achievement award for psycholoy.[3]
He has been described by former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown as 'an inspiration and a visionary'.[4]
Since assuming the title, he has maintained the estate's legacy and continues to oversee its cultural significance.[5][6]
Estate
[edit]- Ardoch House, built in the late 18th century, is the seat of the barony. This Georgian estate replaced an earlier medieval house and serves as a testament to the estate's long-standing heritage. The house is recognised for its historical value and stands as a key landmark in Dumbartonshire.[7]
Notable holders
[edit]- Robert Graham Of Gartmore, 15th Laird (1735-1797) politician, a successful merchant and Lord Rector of the University of Glasgow
- Robert Bontine Cunninghame Graham, 19th Laird president of the Scottish Labour Party; a founder of the National Party of Scotland in 1928; one of Scotland’s landed gentry, owning thousands of acres in his estates
- Admiral Sir Angus Cunninghame Graham, 20th Laird (1893-1981)
- Incumbent: Tommy MacKay, 21st Laird and Baron of Ardoch
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Stodart, Robert Riddle (1881). Scottish arms, being a collection of armorial bearings A. D. 1370-1678 Vol. II. Edinburgh : W. Paterson.
- ^ "Ardoch House". Canmore. Retrieved 2024-09-03.
- ^ "Cardross professor receives lifetime achievement award in psychology". Helensburgh Advertiser. 2021-04-14. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ "Tommy MacKay". Jessica Kingsley Publishers - UK. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ "Tommy MacKay of Ardoch". Retrieved 2024-09-03.
- ^ "Search for Ardoch". Burke's Peerage. 27 June 2024. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Ardoch House - Canmore". Canmore. Retrieved 2024-09-03.