Earls

The rank of Earl is the central pillar of the Peerage of Scotland. The word is derived from the Scandinavian jarl for chieftain or prince, and though the use of jarl in Scandinavia was replaced by duke, earl became standardised into English, even surviving the Norman Conquest. It was seen as equivalent to the Norman rank of count, an anglicised version of the French comte, itself derived from the Latin comes, meaning a companion of the emperor. In Scotland, the rank of earl grew naturally from the older title of Mormaer, which means Great Steward in Gaelic, and initially simply replaced the older term without much change in meaning. The early mormaerdoms were based on the original Pictish kingdoms, which, with the consolidation of power under a single Royal line, could no longer be considered as having the same level of independence. The Mormaer, therefore, replaced the old Ri, or king, as an appointee of the Ard Ri, or high king, rather than as a ruler in his own right. Acting more as a Lieutenant-General, they were responsible for maintaining order and mobilising armies when required. As the political situation developed, additional mormaerdoms were created by subdivision of existing provinces, for instance Buchan being carved out of Mar, extension into new areas such as Argyll and Lennox, and, in the case of Caithness, loss to foreign powers. With the imposition of the Norman feudal system, the underlying meaning altered, the earls becoming chief feudal tenants of the king, with a change from a loosely matrilinear succession replaced by a more formal hereditary male primogeniture. Differences to the English system are significant, the English earls quickly losing territorial links to the land, with most of the administrative responsibilities replaced by the feudal Baron, who held lands directly from the king, and the Sheriff, who maintained the rule of law. Although the position of Sheriff was used in Scotland, the shires (the administrative areas governed by a Sheriff) were mostly restricted to areas in the south, outside the original Pictish lands. In the intervening centuries, however, the post of Sheriff in Scotland became firmly established, and continues to this day, as the main local judicial official, whereas in England it quickly became an honorary position. Similarly, the Scottish equivalent of Baron, that is, Lord of Parliament, was not developed for several centuries afterwards, due mainly to the fact that the Scottish earls never surrendered their close ties to the land, leaving little in the way of spare capacity for the king to distribute estates to his feudal inferiors, although a few ancient lordships operated independently from the earldoms for some considerable period.

The following is a list of all earldoms created in the Peerage of Scotland and includes titles no longer extant. As a reference point, the original earldoms that existed before the Norman influence as mormaerdoms have a base year of 1115, when it is generally considered that they were officially recognised as earls by King Alexander I.

Earl of Abercorn (1606) − created for James Hamilton, 1^st Lord Abercorn, and later raised, first to a marquessate in the Peerage of Great Britain, and then to a dukedom in the Peerage of the United Kingdom

Earl of Aberdeen (1682) − created for the then Lord Chancellor of Scotland, George Gordon, it was raised to a marquessate in the Peerage of Great Britain

Earl of Aboyne (1660) − created for Charles Gordon, younger son of George Gordon, 2^nd Marquess of Huntly, the 5^th Earl succeeded as 9^th Marquess

Earl of Airlie (1639) − created for James Ogilvy, 7^th Lord Ogilvy

Earl of Airth (1633) − a replacement title created William Graham, 7^th Earl of Menteith, on being deprived of the title of 1^st Earl of Strathearn, now extinct

Earl of Ancram (1633) − created for Robert Kerr, a favourite of James VI & I and of Charles I, this title later passed to the earls of Lothian

Earl of Ancram (1701) − a subsidiary title of the marquess of Lothian

Earl of Angus (1115) − original earldom, forfeited by the 9^th Earl

Earl of Angus (1329) − created for John Stewart, a grandson of Alexander Stewart, 4^th High Steward of Scotland, resigned by the 3^rd Countess in favour of her son

Earl of Angus (1389) − created for George Douglas, son of the Countess of Angus and William Douglas, 1^st Earl of Douglas, this title was later raised as the marquessate of Douglas (when the earldom was resigned and regranted), and then to the dukedom of Douglas. When the 1^st Duke died, the dukedom became extinct but the marquessate and earldom passed to the dukes of Hamilton

Earl of Annandale (1625) − created for John Murray, a very distant relation of Robert the Bruce, but becoming extinct on the death of the 2^nd earl

Earl of Annandale & Hartfell (1661) − created for James Johnstone, 1^st Earl of Hartfell, and later raised as the marquessate of Annandale. The titles became extinct on the death of the 3^rd Marquess but the earldom was recently resurrected and backdated by the House of Lords on a successful claim being made by a descendant of the 1^st Marquess

Earl of Argyll (1457) − created for Colin Campbell, 2^nd Lord Campbell, and later raised to a dukedom. The holder is Chief of Clan Campbell.

Earl of Arran (1467) − created for Thomas Boyd, eldest son of Robert Boyd, 1^st Lord Boyd of Kilmarnock, who married Princess Mary Stewart, older sister of James III, but becoming forfeit

Earl of Arran (1503) − created for James Hamilton, 2^nd Lord Hamilton, the 3^rd Earl was declared insane and forfeit by abdication. This was later reversed, allowing his nephew, James Hamilton, 2^nd Marquess of Hamilton, to succeed

Earl of Arran (1581) − created for James Stewart, son of Andrew Stewart, 2^nd Lord Stewart of Ochiltree, during the period of forfeiture by the previous holder. He was later deprived of the title, which was handed back to the Hamilton family

Earl of Atholl (1115) − original earldom, forfeited by the 10^th Earl

Earl of Atholl (1320) −,created for John Campbell, a nephew of Robert the Bruce, but becoming extinct on his death

Earl of Atholl (1341) − created for William Douglas, Knight of Liddesdale, who resigned the title shortly afterwards

Earl of Atholl (1342) − created for Robert Stewart, 7^th High Steward of Scotland on his resignation as Regent on the return of David II from exile. He was also heir-male to David and eventually succeeded him as King

Earl of Atholl (1398) − Royal earldom created for Prince David Stewart, eldest son of King Robert III, but becoming extinct on his death

Earl of Atholl (1403) − Royal earldom created for Robert Stewart, 1^st Duke of Albany, younger brother of King Robert III, who resigned the title shortly afterwards

Earl of Atholl (1404) − Royal earldom created for Walter Stewart, younger half-brother of King Robert III, but becoming forfeit

Earl of Atholl (1457) − created for John Stewart, son of Sir James Stewart, the Black Knight of Lorn, becoming extinct on the death of the 5^th earl

Earl of Atholl (1596) − created for John Stewart, 6^th Lord Innermeath, who married the widow of the previous earl, becoming extinct on the death of the 2^nd Earl

Earl of Atholl (1629) − created for John Murray, son of William Murray, 2^nd Earl of Tullibardine and a grandson of the previous 5^th Earl, this was later raised to a marquessate and then a dukedom

Earl of Avondale (1437) − a subsidiary earldom granted to James Douglas, a younger son of Archibald Douglas, 3^rd Earl of Douglas, shortly before he became 7^th Earl of Douglas

Earl of Balcarres (1651) − created for Alexander Lindsay, 2^nd Lord Lindsay, it was later merged with the earldom of Crawford when the 7^th Earl succeeded in his claim as 24^th Earl of Crawford after the latter title had become dormant

Earl of Bothwell (1488) − created for Patrick Hepburn, 2^nd Lord Hailes of Hailes, but forfeited by the 4^th Earl

Earl of Bothwell (1581) − created for Francis Stewart, a grandson of King James V and Lady Jean Hepburn, daughter of Patrick Hepburn, 3^rd Earl of Bothwell

Earl of Breadalbane & Holland (1681) − created for John Campbell, 5^th Baronet Campbell of Glenorchy

Earl of Buccleuch (1619) − created for Walter Scott, 2^nd Lord Scott of Buccleuch, and later raised to a dukedom

Earl of Buchan (1115) − original earldom that transferred to the Comyn family by marriage but was later forfeited by the 7^th Earl

Earl of Buchan (1382) − Royal earldom created for Alexander Stewart, fourth son of King Robert II, also known as the Wolf of Badenoch. He was ex-communicated and the earldom transferred to his old brother, Robert Stewart, Earl of Fife, who was followed by two of his own sons, also in reverse age order, before the title became forfeit due to attainder

Earl (Countess) of Buchan (1444) − Royal earldom created for Mary Stewart, daughter of King James I, but becoming extinct on her death

Earl of Buchan (1469) − created for James Stewart, son of Lady Jean Beaufort, widow of James I, and Sir James Stewart of Lorn, later transferring first to the Douglas family and then the Erskine family by marriage

Earl of Bute (1703) − created for James Stuart, 3^rd Baronet Stuart of Bute, and later raised as a marquessate

Earl of Caithness (1334) − previously a fief of Norway, this was first created in the Peerage of Scotland for Malise, 8^th Earl of Strathearn, who had inherited the mormaership from his mother. He was deprived of the title after taking the English side at the Battle of Halidon Hill and the earldom was handed to his grandson Alexander de l’Arde, who eventually sold it back to the Crown

Earl of Caithness (1375) − Royal earldom created for David Stewart, son of King Robert II and Eupheme Ross, Countess of Moray, but later forfeited by the 3^rd Earl

Earl of Caithness (1452) − created for George Crichton, and soldier and cousin of the influential William Crichton, who was later deprived of the title on the downfall of the Crichton administration

Earl of Caithness (1455) − created for William Sinclair, 3^rd Earl of Orkney

Earl of Callendar (1641) − created for Sir James Livingstone, younger son of Alexander Livingstone, 1^st Earl of Linlithgow, it was later merged with the earldom of Linlithgow when the 3^rd Earl of Callendar was succeeded by his nephew, James Livingston, 5^th Earl of Linlithgow, following which both titles became forfeit when he was attainted for taking part in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745

Earl of Campbell & Cowal (1701) − a subsidiary earldom created for Archibald Campbell, 1^st Duke of Argyll

Earl of Carnwath (1639) − created for Robert Dalzell, 2^nd Lord Dalzell

Earl of Carrick (1186) − old earldom created for Duncan, son of Gilbride, Lord of Galloway, in compensation after the lordship had been seized by his cousin Lochlann. It later transferred to the Bruce family and reverted to the Crown when the 4^th Earl became King Robert I

Earl of Carrick (1313) − Royal earldom created for Edward Bruce, King Robert’s younger brother, but becoming extinct on his death

Earl of Carrick (1328) − Royal earldom created for David Bruce, son of King Robert I, reverting to the Crown when he became King David II

Earl of Carrick (1330) − Royal earldom created for Alexander Bruce, son of King David II, but becoming extinct on his death at the Battle of Halidon Hill

Earl of Carrick (1362) − created for William Cunynghame, prominent supporter of Bruce in North Ayrshire. He later resigned the earldom

Earl of Carrick (1368) − Royal earldom created for John Stewart, oldest son of King Robert II, reverting to the Crown when he became King Robert III

Earl of Carrick (1390) − Royal earldom created for David Stewart, oldest son of King Robert III, but becoming extinct on his death

Earl of Carrick (1628) − Royal earldom created as a subsidiary title for Robert Bruce Stuart, 1^st Duke of Kintyre & Lorne, fifth child and third son of King James VI, but becoming extinct on his early death only 25 days later

Earl of Cassillis (1509) − created for David Kennedy, 3^rd Lord Kennedy, the 12^th Earl was created 1^st Marquess of Ailsa

Earl of Crawford (1398) − one of the oldest surviving earldoms in the British Isles, this title was created in the Peerage of Scotland for Sir David Lindsay of Crawford, but lay dormant for some years in the 19^th century until reverting to the related line of the earls of Balcarres

Earl of Cromartie (1702) − created for George Mackenzie, 2^nd Baronet Mackenzie of Tarbat, but forfeited by the 3^rd Earl. The name was later revived by members of the Mackenzie family as a title in the Peerage if the United Kingdom

Earl of Dalhousie (1633) − created for William Ramsay, 2^nd Lord Ramsay of Dalhousie

Earl of Dalkeith (1663) − a subsidiary earldom created for James Crofts, 1^st Duke of Buccleuch

Earl of Darnley (1581) − a subsidiary earldom created for Esme Stuart, 1^st Duke of Lennox, becoming extinct on the death of the 6^th Duke

Earl of Darnley (1675) − a subsidiary earldom created for Charles Lennox, 1^st Duke of Lennox

Earl of Delorain (1706) − created for Henry Scott, a son of the 1^st Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch

Earl of Dirletoun (1646) − created for James Maxwell, 1^st Lord Innerwick, but becoming extinct on his death

Earl of Douglas (1357) − created for William Douglas, Lord of Douglas, the original powerful earldom was exterminated by the Crown

Earl of Drumlanrig & Sanquhar (1682) − a subsidiary earldom created for William Douglas, 1^st Marquess of Queensberry, it later passed to the dukes of Buccleuch, though the marquessate continued independently

Earl of Dumbarton (1675) − created for Major-General George Douglas, son of William Douglas, 1^st Marquess of Douglas & 11^th Earl of Angus, becoming extinct on the death of the 2^nd Earl

Earl of Dumfries (1633) − created for the William Crichton, 9^th Lord Crichton of Sanquhar, and later transferring to the marquesses of Bute

Earl of Dunbar (1134) − original earldom, known as Lothian during the lifetimes of the first three holders, created for Cospatrick, deposed Earl of Northumberland. The 8^th Earl also took the title of Earl of March, though no separate grant of an earldom took place. The 11^th Earl was made forfeit through no actions of him own

Earl of Dunbar (1605) − created for George Home, a relative of Alexander Home, 6^th Lord Home, a, favourite of King James IV, but becoming extinct on his death

Earl of Dundee (1660) − created for John Scrymgeour, 3^rd Viscount Dudhope, Hereditary Royal Standard-Bearer, though the earldom remained dormant for almost 300 years after the death of the 1^st Earl until the de facto 11^th Earl succeeded in being recognised the the House of Lords

Earl of Dundonald (1669) − created for the distinguished soldier and politician Sir William Cochrane, 1^st Lord Cochrane of Dundonald

Earl of Dunfermline (1605) − created for Alexander Seton, youngest son of George Seton, 5^th Lord Seton (for whom see the earls of Winton), forfeited by the 4^th Earl for his support of the Jacobites at the Battle of Killiecrankie

Earl of Dunmore (1686) − created for Charles Murray, youngest son of John Murray, 1^st Marquess of Atholl

Earl of Dysart (1643) − created for William Murray, a favourite of King Charles I

Earl of Eglinton (1507) − created for Hugh Montgomerie, 2^nd Lord Montgomerie

Earl of Elgin (1633) − created for Thomas Bruce, 3^rd Lord Kinloss, it later merged with the earldom of Kincardine

Earl of Enzie (1599) − a subsidiary earldom created for George Gordon, 1^st Marquess of Huntly

Earl of Erroll (1452) − created for William Hay, 2^nd Lord Hay, Hereditary Lord High Constable of Scotland

Earl of Ethie (1647) − created for John Carnegie, 1^st Lord Lour, the prominent politician and younger brother of David Carnegie, 1^st Earl of Southesk. The 1^st Earl later resigned this title in exchange for the earldom of Northesk

Earl of Fife (1128) − original earldom, the holder of which traditionally crowned the new monarch. The 9^th Countess resigned the earldom to the Crown

Earl of Fife (1371) − Royal earldom created for Robert Stewart, younger brother of King Robert III, and who would later become 1^st Duke of Albany. The title was forfeited due to the attainder and execution of his son

Earl of Findlater (1638) − created for James Ogilvy, 2^nd Lord Ogilvy of Deskford, the 3^rd Earl’s heir was independently created 1^st Earl of Seafield prior to succeeding as 4^th Earl of Findlater. On the death of the 4^th Earl of Seafield, the Findlater title became extinct due to failure of the male line, though the Seafield title continued, having remainder to heirs-general

Earl of Forfar (1661) − created for Archibald Douglas, younger half-brother of James Douglas, 2^nd Marquess of Douglas & 12^th Earl of Angus. Becoming extinct on the death of the 2^nd Earl

Earl of Forth (1642) − created for the celebrated soldier Sir Patrick Ruthven, a descendant of William Ruthven, 1^st Lord Ruthven, but becoming extinct on his death

Earl of Galloway (1623) − previously an independent lordship, the earldom was created for Alexander Stewart, 1^st Lord Garlies

Earl of Garioch (1180) − Royal earldom created for David, 9^th Earl of Huntingdon, younger brother of King William the Lion, becoming extinct on the death of the 2^nd Earl

Earl of Garioch (1459) − Royal earldom created for John Stewart, youngest son of King James II, but becoming extinct on his early death

Earl of Garioch (1482) − Royal earldom created for Alexander Stewart, younger son of King James II, who was already 1^st Duke of Albany , becoming extinct on the death of the 2^nd Earl

Earl of Garioch (1486) − Royal earldom created for John Stewart, youngest son of King James III, but becoming extinct on his death

Earl of Gifford (1646) − a subsidiary earldom created for John Hay, 1^st Marquess of Tweeddale

Earl of Glasgow (1703) − created for David Boyle, 1^st Lord Boyle of Kelburn, Stewartown, Finnick, Largs & Dalry

Earl of Glencairn (1488) − created for Alexander Cunningham, 1^st Lord Kilmaurs, becoming extinct on the death of the 15^th Earl

Earl of Gowrie (1581) − created for William Ruthven, 4^th Lord Ruthven, forfeited by the 3^rd Earl following the Raid of Ruthven

Earl of Haddington (1627) − created for Sir Thomas Hamilton, 1^st Lord Binning, to replace his previous title of 1^st Earl of Melrose

Earl of Hartfell (1643) − created for James Johnstone, 1^st Lord Johnstone of Lochwood, the 2^nd Earl later resigned this title in exchange for the earldom of Annandale & Hartfell

Earl of Hartfell (1701) − a subsidiary earldom created for William Johnstone, 1^st Marquess of Annandale, becoming extinct on the death of the 3^rd Marquess, though the older earldom of Annandale & Hartfell continued

Earl of Home (1605) − created for Alexander Home, 6^th Lord Home

Earl of Hopetoun (1703) − created for Charles Hope, and later raised as the marquessate of Linlithgow

Earl of Huntly (1445) − created for Alexander Seton, Lord of Huntly and Gordon, and later the first to be raised to a marquessate

Earl of Hyndford (1701) − created for John Carmichael, 2^nd Lord Carmichael, becoming extinct on the death of the 6^th Earl

Earl of Ilay (1706) − created for Archibald Campbell, second son of the Archibald Campbell, 1^st Duke of Argyll. He later succeeded to the dukedom, though his own earldom became extinct on his death

Earl of Irvine (1642) − created for James Campbell, 1^st Lord Kintyre, second son of Archibald Campbell, 7^th Earl of Argyll, but becoming extinct on his early death

Earl of Kellie (1619) − created for Thomas Erskine, 1^st Lord Erskine of Dirletoun, now merged with the instance of the earldom of Mar dated 1565

Earl of Kelso (1707) − a subsidiary earldom created for John Ker, 1^st Duke of Roxburghe

Earl of Kilmarnock (1661) − created for William Boyd, 10^th Lord Boyd of Kilmarnock, forfeited by the 4^th Earl by attainder after being captured at the Battle of Culloden

Earl of Kincardine (1647) − created for Edward Bruce in 1643, now merged with the earldom of Elgin

Earl of Kinghorne (1606) − created for Patrick Lyon, 9^th Lord Glamis, the 4^th Earl obtained a renaming, without regranting, to the earldom of Strathmore & Kinghorne in 1677

Earl of Kinnoull (1633) − created for George Hay, 1^st Viscount of Dupplin & 1^st Lord Hay of Kinfauns

Earl of Kintore (1677) − created for John Keith, son of William Keith, 6^th Earl Marischal

Earl of Lanark (1649) − a subsidiary earldom created for William Hamilton, 2^nd Duke of Hamilton

Earl of Lauderdale (1624) − created for John Maitland, 2^nd Lord Maitland

Earl of Lennox (1200) − original earldom, becoming extinct on the death of Isabella, Countess of Lennox

Earl of Lennox (1473) − created for John Stewart, grandson of John Stewart, 1^st Siegneur d’Aubigny and Elizabeth, a daughter of Duncan, 8^th Earl of Lennox. The 4^th Earl was the father of Henry Stewart, Lord Darnley, and when he died the male-heir was his grandson King James VI

Earl of Lennox (1572) − created for Charles Stuart, a younger son of the 4^th Earl of Lennox, becoming extinct on the death of the 2^nd Countess Arbella Stuart, who died while held in the Tower of London

Earl of Lennox (1578) − created for Robert Stuart, second son of John Stuart, 3^rd Earl of Lennox, and later exchanged for the earldom of March

Earl of Lennox (1580) − created for Esme Stuart, grandson of John Stuart, 3^rd Earl of Lennox, and later raised as a dukedom before becoming extinct on the death of the 6^th Duke

Earl of Leslie (1680) − a subsidiary earldom created for John Leslie, 1^st Duke of Rothes, but becoming extinct on his death

Earl of Leven (1641) − created for the famous soldier Alexander Leslie, now merged with the earldom of Melville

Earl of Lindsay (1633) − created for John Lindsay, 10^th Lord Lindsay of the Byres. He later succeeded to the earldom of Crawford. The Crawford title lay dormant after the death of George Lindsay-Crawford, 22^nd Earl of Crawford and 6^th Earl of Lindsay, but the Lindsay title transferred to a distant relative. Although the principal line failed several more times, there was always another distant relative available

Earl of Linlithgow (1600) − created for Alexander Livingston, 6^th Lord Livingston, forfeited by the 5^th Earl by attainder after the Jacobite Uprising of 1715

Earl of Lothian (1606) − created for Mark Kerr, 1^st Lord Newbottle, becoming extinct on the death of the Anne Kerr, 3^rd Countess of Lothian due to the stipulations of the remainder

Earl of Lothian (1631) − created for William Kerr, a younger son of Sir Robert Kerr, 1^st Earl of Ancram, who had married Countess of Lothian, and later raised to a marquessate

Earl of Loudoun (1633) − created for John Campbell, 2^nd Lord Campbell of Loudoun

Earl of Mar (1115) − original earldom, becoming extinct on the death of Alexander Stewart, son of Alexander Stewart, 1^st Earl of Buchan, de uxoris Earl of Mar as husband of Isabel Douglas, Countess of Mar

Earl of Mar (1459) − Royal earldom created for John Stewart, youngest son of King James II, but becoming extinct on his early death

Earl of Mar (1482) − Royal earldom created for Alexander Stewart, younger son of King James II, who was already 1^st Duke of Albany , becoming extinct on the death of the 2^nd Earl

Earl of Mar (1486) − Royal earldom created for John Stewart, youngest son of King James III, but becoming extinct on his death

Earl of Mar (1562) − Royal earldom created for James Stewart, illegitimate son of King James V, but resigned soon afterwards in exchange for the earldom of Moray

Earl of Mar (1565/1404/1115) − created for John Erskine, 6^th Lord Erskine, a descendant of the original family, becoming dormant on the death of the 9^th Earl until resurrected as the original title in 1885 for the son of the 9^th Earl’s sister, with renumbering as 25^th Earl

Earl of Mar (1565) − created for Walter Erskine, 13^th Earl of Kellie in 1875, after a dispute regarding the succession of the dormant title, with numbering continuing as previously

Earl of March (1455) − Royal earldom created as a subsidiary title for Alexander Stuart, 1^st Duke of Albany, younger son of King James II

Earl of March (1580) − created for Robert Stuart, younger son of John Stuart, 3^rd Earl of Lennox in exchange for his newly created title of 1^st Earl of Lennox, which was given to his nephew Esme Stuart. The title became extinct on his death

Earl of March (1697) − created for William Douglas, younger son of William Douglas, 1^st Marquess of Queensberry, now merged with the earldom of Wemyss

Earl of Marchmont (1697) − created for Patrick Hume, 1^st Lord Polwarth, becoming extinct on the death of the 3^rd Earl, though the lordship continued

Earl Marischal (1457) − created for William Keith, Hereditary Marischal of Scotland, forfeited by the 10^th Earl by attainder after the Jacobite Uprising of 1715

Earl of Melfort (1686) − created for John Drummond, younger brother of James Drummond, 4^th Earl of Perth, becoming forfeit by attainder following his support of King James VII at the Glorious Revolution. The attainder was lifted in 1853, for George Drummond, nominal 6^th Earl of Melfort and 14^th Earl of Perth, however the Melfort title became extinct on his death, though the Perth title transferred to the Viscounts Strathallan

Earl of Melrose (1619) − created for Thomas Hamilton, 1^st Lord Binning, but resigned in exchange for the earldom of Haddington

Earl of Melville (1690) − created for George Melville, 4^th Lord Melville of Monymaill, now merged with the earldom of Leven

Earl of Menteith (1164) − original earldom that transferred by marriage to Robert Stewart, 1^st Duke of Albany and was forfeited by his son by attainder and execution

Earl of Menteith (1427) − created for Malise Graham in exchange for the earldom of Strathearn, becoming extinct on the death of the 8^th Earl

Earl of Middleton (1656) − created for famous soldier and Royalist John Middleton, forfeited by the 2^nd Earl

Earl of Montrose (1505) − created for James Graham, 3^rd Lord Graham, and later raised to a marquessate and then a dukedom

Earl of Moray (1115) − original earldom that became extinct and reverted to the Crown

Earl of Moray (1315) − created for Thomas Randolph, a relative and supporter of Robert the Bruce, becoming extinct on the death of the 3^rd Earl

Earl of Moray (1372) − created for John Dunbar, son of Patrick Dunbar, 9^th Earl of Dunbar, and Agnes Randolph, becoming extinct by forfeiture of the 5^th Countess Elizabeth, who married Archibald Douglas, a younger brother of William Douglas, 8^th Earl of Douglas

Earl of Moray (1501) − Royal earldom created for James Stewart, and illiegitimate son of King James IV, but becoming extinct on his death

Earl of Moray (1549) − created for George Gordon, 4^th Earl of Huntly, a favourite of Mary, Queen of Scots, but later withdrawn, after which he became outlaw and was attainted, though the Huntly title was later restored to his heir

Earl of Moray (1562) − Royal earldom created for James Stewart, illegitimate son of King James V

Earl of Morton (1457) − created for Sir James Douglas, 3^rd Lord Dalkeith

Earl of Newburgh (1660) − created for James Livingston, 1^st Viscount Newburgh, and now held by Papal Prince Rospigliosi of the Italian nobility

Earl of Nithsdale (1620) − created for Robert Maxwell, 9^th Lord Maxwell, becoming forfeit by the 5^th Earl by attainder following the Jacobite Uprising in 1715

Earl of Northesk (1662) − created for John Carnegie, younger brother of David Carnegie, 1^st Earl of Southesk, in exchange for the earlier title of earl of Ethie

Earl of Orkney (1232) − ancient Norse earldom that came into the family of the earls of Angus through marriage and then to Malise, 8^th Earl of Strathearn, before eventually becoming extinct on his death

Earl of Orkney (1379) − granted to Henry Sinclair, a grandson of Malise of Strathearn, by the Norwegian King Haakon VI. The earldoms of Orkney and Shetland were handed to the Scottish Crown as dowry for the marriage of Margaret of Denmark to King James III and the 3^rd Earl of Orkney was given the earldom of Caithness in compensation

Earl of Orkney (1581) − Royal earldom created for Robert Stewart, an illegitimate son of King James V. The 2^nd Earl was executed for treason, his lands and titles forfeited to the Crown

Earl of Orkney (1696) − created for the noted soldier George Hamilton, son of William Douglas-Hamilton, 1^st Earl of Selkirk. Through intermarriage, it has for several generations been held by various Irish families

Earl of Ormonde (1445) − created for Hugh Douglas, younger brother of William Douglas, 8^th Earl of Douglas, when at the height of Black Douglas power, but becoming forfeit due to his attainder and execution

Earl of Ormonde (1651) − created for Archibald Douglas, son of William Douglas, 1^st Marquess of Douglas & 11^th Earl of Angus, but becoming extinct on his death

Earl of Panmure (1646) − created for Patrick Maule, a favourite of King Charles I, becoming forfeit by the 4^th Earl by attainder following the Jacobite Uprising of 1715

Earl of Perth (1605) − created for James Drummond, 4^th Lord Drummond, becoming forfeit by attainder following the Jacobite Uprising of 1715. The attainder was finally lifted in 1853 for the 14^th Earl

Earl of Portmore (1703) − created for David Colyear, 1^st Lord Portmore, becoming extinct on the death of the 4^th Earl

Earl of Queensberry (1633) − created for William Douglas, 1^st Viscount Drumlanrig, and later raised as a marquessate and then dukedom. The marquessate and dukedom have now split due to differing remainders after the death of the 4^th Duke, the earldom with the marquessate

Earl of Rosebery (1703) − created for Archibald Primrose, 3^rd Viscount Rosebery

Earl of Ross (1223) − original earldom that passed through several families until falling into the hands of the Macdonald Lords of the Isles, the last of whom was deprived of the title after being made forfeit for treason

Earl of Ross (1481) − Royal earldom created for James Stewart, younger son of King James III and Margaret of Denmark, later raised to a dukedom, but becoming extinct on his death

Earl of Ross (1565) − Royal earldom created as a subsidiary title for Henry Stuart, 1^st Duke of Albany, son of Matthew Stuart, 4^th Earl of Lennox, known to the world as Lord Darnley, second husband of Mary, Queen of Scots, reverting to the Crown when their son became King James VI

Earl of Ross (1603) − Royal earldom created as a subsidiary title for Charles Stuart, 1^st Duke of Albany, younger son of King James VI, reverting to the Crown when he became King Charles I

Earl of Rothes (1457) − created for George Leslie, 1^st Lord Leslie

Earl of Roxburghe (1616) − created for Robert Ker, 1^st Lord Roxburghe, later raised as a dukedom

Earl of Ruglen (1697) − created for John Hamilton, son of William Douglas-Hamilton, 1^st Earl of Selkirk and Anne Hamilton, 3^rd Duchess Hamilton, becoming extinct on the death of the 3^rd Earl

Earl of Seafield (1701) − created for James Ogilvy, 1^st Viscount Seafield, the Lord Chancellor, son and heir to James Ogilvy, 3^rd Earl of Findlater. He later succeeded his father, from which time the two earldoms have been merged

Earl of Seaforth (1623) − created for Colin Mackenzie, 2^nd Lord Mackenzie, becoming forfeit by the 5^th Earl by attainder following the Jacobite Uprising of 1715

Earl of Selkirk (1646) − created for William Douglas, younger son of William Douglas, 1^st Marquess of Douglas and 11^th Earl of Angus. He later became Duke of Hamilton by marriage and the earldom passed to his younger son. In two other occasions, the dukes of Hamilton have succeeded to the earldom, which in both cases then passed to a younger son as required by the remainder

Earl of Solway (1706) − created for Charles Douglas, 3^rd Duke of Queensberry, but becoming extinct on his death

Earl of Southesk (1633) − created for Sir David Carnegie, 1^st Lord Carnegie of Kinnaird, and now transferred to the dukes of Fife by marriage

Earl of Stair (1703) − created for John Dalrymple, 2^nd Viscount of Stair

Earl of Stirling (1633) − created for Sir William Alexander, 1^st Viscount of Stirling, becoming dormant on the death of the 5^th Earl

Earl of Strathearn (1115) − original earldom, forfeited by the 8^th Earl for treason

Earl of Strathearn (1344) − created for Maurice de Moravia, favourite of King David II, but becoming extinct on his death

Earl of Strathearn (1357) − created for Robert Stewart, son of Walter Stewart, 6^th High Steward of Scotland, but withdrawn from the 4^th Earl in exchange for the earldom of Menteith

Earl of Strathearn (1631) − created for Walter Graham, 7^th Earl of Menteith, but quickly withdrawn in exchange for the earldom of Airth

Earl of Strathmore & Kinghorne − renamed title obtained by Patrick Lyon, 3^rd Earl of Kinghorne, and continuing the numbering of that title

Earl of Strathtay & Strathardle (1703) − a subsidiary earldom created for John Murray, 1^st Duke of Atholl

Earl of Sutherland (1230) − original earldom given to the de Moravia, or Murray clan, and later raised as a dukedom, before finally separating from that title due to distinct remainder on the death of the 5^th Duke

Earl of Tarras (1658) − created for Walter Scott for life only to make him of equal rank to his wife, Mary Scott, 3^rd Countess of Buccleuch

Earl of Teviot (1663) − created for the noted soldier Andrew Rutherford, but becoming extinct on his death

Earl of Traquair (1633) − created for Sir John Stewart, 1^st Lord Stewart of Traquair, Lord High Treasurer, becoming extinct or dormant on the death of the 8^th Earl

Earl of Tullibardine (1606) − created for Sir John Murray, 1^st Lord Murray of Tullibardine, resigned by the 2^nd Earl in favour of his younger brother when he was promised the earldom of Atholl

Earl of Tullibardine (1628) − created for Patrick Murray, younger brother of the previous earl of Tullibardine, and later transferring to the earls of Atholl

Earl of Tullibardine (1676) − a subsidiary earldom created for John Murray, 1^st Marquess of Atholl

Earl of Tullibardine (1696) − created for John Murray, 2^nd Marquess (and later 1^st Duke) of Atholl, but becoming extinct on his death

Earl of Tweeddale (1646) − created for John Hay, 8^th Lord Hay of Yester, and later raised as a marquessate

Earl of Wemyss (1633) − created for John Wemyss, 1^st Lord Wemyss of Elcho

Earl of Wigton (1342) − created for Malcolm Fleming, a supporter of Robert the Bruce, sold to the Black Douglas by the 2^nd Earl in 1371

Earl of Wigton (1606) − created for John Fleming, 1^st Lord Fleming, becoming extinct on the death of the 7^th Earl

Earl of Winton (1600) − created for Robert Seton, 6^th Lord Seton, forfeited by the 5^th Earl by attainder following the Jacobite Uprising of 1715

The following is a brief list of earldoms not in the Peerage of Scotland but developing from lesser titles that are clearly Scottish

Earl Cathcart (1814) − earldom in the Peerage of the United Kingdom created for William Schaw Cathcart, 10^th Lord Cathcart

Earl Cawdor (1827) − earldom in the Peerage of the United Kingdom created for John Frederick Campbell, 2^nd Baron Cawdor, a descendant of Archibald Campbell, 3^rd Earl of Argyll

Earl (Countess) of Cromartie (1861) − earldom in the Peerage of the United Kingdom created for Anne Hay-Mackenzie, a descendant of George Mackenzie, 3^rd Earl of Cromartie, when her husband became 3^rd Duke of Sutherland

Earl of Ellesmere (1846) − earldom in the Peerage of the United Kingdom created for Francis Egerton, third son of George Leveson-Gower, 1^st Duke of Sutherland. The 5^th Earl eventually succeeded as 6^th Duke of Sutherland in 1963

Earl Fife (1759) − earldom in the Peerage of Ireland created for William Duff, 1^st Baron Braco, a descendant of the original earls of Fife, and later raised as a dukedom in the Peerage of the United Kingdom

Earl of Fife (1885) − earldom in the Peerage of the United Kingdom created for Alexander Duff, 6^th Earl Fife and later made 1^st Duke of Fife

Earl Gower (1746) − earldom in the Peerage of Great Britain created for John Leveson-Gower, son of 1^st Baron Gower and maternal grandson of John Manners, 1^st Duke of Rutland. His son Granville Leveson-Gower was created 1^st Marquess of Stafford, and his son George Granville Leveson-Gower married Elizabeth Sutherland, 19^th Countess of Sutherland, after which the were jointly created 1^st Duke and Duchess of Sutherland

Earl of Gowrie (1945) − earldom in the Peerage of the United Kingdom created for Alexander Hore-Ruthven, son of Walter James Hore-Ruthven, 9^th Lord Ruthven of Freeland, and former Governor-General of Australia

Earl Graham of Belford (1722) − earldom in the Peerage of Great Britain created for David Graham, second son of James Graham, 1^st Duke of Montrose, and on his death was transferred to his younger brother, who also succeeded as 2^nd Duke of Montrose

Earl of Haddo (1916) − a subsidiary earldom created for John Hamilton-Gordon, 1^st Marquess of Aberdeen & Temair

Earl of Inchcape (1929) − earldom in the Peerage of the United Kingdom created for the shipping magnate James Lyle Mackay

Earl of Innes (1837) − a subsidiary earldom in the Peerage of the United Kingdom created for James Innes-Ker, 6^th Duke of Roxburghe

Earl of Inverness (1801) − Royal earldom in the Peerage of the United Kingdom created for Prince Augustus Frederick, sixth son of King George III, also created Duke of Sussex, but becoming extinct on his death

Earl of Inverness (1892) − Royal earldom in the Peerage of the United Kingdom created for Prince George, son of King Edward VII, also created Duke of York, reverting to the Crown when he became King George V

Earl of Inverness (1920) − Royal earldom in the Peerage of the United Kingdom created for Prince Albert, second son of King George V, also created Duke of York, reverting to the Crown when he became King George VI

Earl of Inverness (1986) − Royal earldom in the Peerage of the United Kingdom created for Prince Andrew, second son of Queen Elizabeth II, also created Duke of York

Earl Ker of Wakefield (1722) − a subsidiary earldom in the Peerage of Great Britain created for Robert Ker, 2^nd Duke of Roxburghe, becoming extinct on the death of the 2^nd Duke

Earl of Kinrara (1876) − a subsidiary earldom in the Peerage of the United Kingdom created for Charles Gordon-Lennox, 6^th Duke of Lennox

Earl of Macduff (1900) − a subsidiary earldom in the Peerage of the United Kingdom created for Alexander Duff, 1^st Duke of Fife

Earl of Midlothian (1911) − a subsidiary earldom in the Peerage of the United Kingdom created for Archibald Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery, who was briefly Prime Minister

Earl of Minto (1813) − earldom in the Peerage of the United Kingdom created for Gilbert Elliot, 1^st Baron Minto

Earl of Norwich (1784) − earldom in the Peerage of Great Britain created for Alexander Gordon, 4^th Duke of Gordon and 7^th Marquess of Huntly, becoming extinct on the death of the 5^th Duke

Earl of Ormelie (1831) − a subsidiary earldom in the Peerage of the United Kingdom created for John Campbell, 1^st Marquess of Breadalbane, becoming extinct on the death of the 2^nd Marquess

Earl of Ronaldshay (1892) − a subsidiary earldom in the Peerage of the United Kingdom created for Lawrence Dundas, 1^st Marquess of Zetland

Earl of Rosslyn (1801) − earldom in the Peerage of the United Kingdom created for Alexander Wedderburn, 1^st Baron Loughborough, the then Lord Chancellor, with special remainder to his nephew, James St. Clair-Erskine

Earl Strange (1786) − earldom in the Peerage of Great Britain created for John Murray, 4^th Duke of Atholl, becoming extinct on the death of the 9^th Duke

Earl of Strathearn (2011) − Royal earldom in the Peerage of the United Kingdom created as a subsidiary title for heir-apparent Prince William Mountbatten-Windsor, son of Charles, Prince of Wales and grandson of Queen Elizabeth II, also created Duke of Cambridge

Earl of Strathmore & Kinghorne (1936) − earldom in the Peerage of the United Kingdom created for Claude Bowes-Lyon, 14^th Earl of Strathmore & Kinghorne when his daughter’s husband became King George VI

Earl of Windsor (1796) − a subsidiary earldom in the Peerage of Great Britain created for John Stuart, 1^st Marquess of Bute

Earl of Winton (1859) − earldom in the Peerage of the United Kingdom created for Archibald Montgomerie, 13^th Earl of Eglinton

Earl of Zetland (1838) − earldom in the Peerage of the United Kingdom created for Lawrence Dundas, 2^nd Baron Dundas of Aske, and later raised as a marquessate

(Last updated: 09/06/2011)

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