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.[2]
| Barony of Ardoch | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Creation date | 1707 |
| Creation | Baronage 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 |
History
editOver the centuries, Ardoch became a key estate in the region, serving as an important seat of power. A mansion was constructed on the estate in the early 17th century, replacing an earlier medieval structure used by the family from the 1300s. This mansion disappeared in 1874.[3]
The description on Canmore also notes that the house was replaced by a farmhouse called Ardochmore.[3]
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.[4]
Present Baron
editNote 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, academic and author. In 2021 he received a lifetime achievement award for psychology.[5]
He was referred to as 'an inspiration and a visionary' by Gordon Brown the UK former Prime Minister.[6]
Since assuming the title, he has maintained the estate's legacy and continues to oversee its cultural significance.[7]
Notable holders
edit- Robert Graham Of Gartmore, 15th Laird (1735–1797) politician, poet, and slave plantation owner
- Robert Bontine Cunninghame Graham, 19th Laird president of the Scottish Labour Party; a founder of the National Party of Scotland in 1928; landowner of large estates in Scotland
- Admiral Sir Angus Cunninghame Graham, 20th Laird (1893–1981)
- Incumbent: Tommy MacKay, 21st Laird and Baron of Ardoch
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Burke's Peerage & Gentry International Register of Arms, Volume 1 (Volume 1 ed.). Martin S. J. Goldstraw. 2011. ISBN 9780956815712.
- ^ Stodart, Robert Riddle (1881). Scottish arms, being a collection of armorial bearings A. D. 1370-1678 Vol. II. Edinburgh : W. Paterson.
- ^ a b "Ardoch House". Canmore. Retrieved 2024-09-03.
- ^ Burke's Peerage 107th Edition (107th ed.). Hugh Preskett. 2003.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Search for Ardoch for geanology and bio in Burke's Peerage". Burke's Peerage. 27 June 2024. Retrieved 27 June 2024.