The Single Peer: January 2011

22 January, 2011

Heir of the Hour:
Lord John William Douglas-Hamilton, brother of The 16th Duke of Hamilton and 13th Duke of Brandon

Born in 1979 (2 October), this 29-year-old Scottish nobleman (photo below) is the heir presumptive of his brother, Alexander Douglas Douglas-Hamilton, who succeeded their father last year to the double dukedoms of Hamilton and Brandon. As his brother is shortly to be wed, The Lord John William Douglas-Hamilton is not likely to remain the ducal heir for long, but, nevertheless, as a duke’s son and brother he will retain a generous inheritance and envious connections.

Known professionally as “Johnny” Douglas-Hamilton, this young peer is internationally known in Motocross circles for his sought-after track designs. A former British Championship racer, he is now considered a premier circuit builder and designer, responsible for tackling many a British Grand Prix and FIM World Championship site.

As to Johnny’s personal history, he is likely to have been educated in Scotland, as was his brother. His relationships have not been well publicized, and he is presumed to be single as of this writing.

Addresses:

Lennoxlove House, Haddington, East Lothian EH41 4NZ

Tel: 01620 823720

Archerfield, by Dirleton, East Lothian EH39 5HQ

Tel: 01620 850298

"Johnny" Douglas-Hamilton

Track View - Sun City SA '05

Sources:

Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Douglas-Hamilton,_16th_Duke_of_Hamilton

ACU Bikesport GB - http://www.acu.org.uk/News/2005/05/BRITISH-GRAND-PRIX-COUNTDOWN/

Dirt Bike Rider - http://www.dirtbikerider.co.uk/content_database/3771/index

ThePeerage.com - http://www.thepeerage.com/p11021.htm#i110207

The Single Peer - http://thesinglepeer.blogspot.com/2010/10/duke-of-day-alexander-douglas-douglas.html

Burke’s Peerage, 107^th Edition - http://www.burkespeerage.com/Search/FullRecord.aspx?ID=6037

FaceBook - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=649017023

Cracroft's Peerage - http://www.cracroftspeerage.co.uk/online/

The Independent - http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/the-duke-of-hamilton-premier-peer-of-scotland-who-raced-cars-and-flew-reconnaissance-missions-over-malaya-1994891.html

09 January, 2011

Earl of the Hour:
Michael Bruce John Murray,
Earl of Strathtay and Strathardle

Born in 1985 (5 March), this 25-year-old nobleman (no photo available) is the elder son and heir of The Marquess of Tullibardine, who is the heir apparent of The Duke of Atholl. One day, Lord Strathtay will presumably inherit the dukedom and approximately ten titles and follow his grandfather and father as the Chief of the Murray Clan. He also stands to one day inherit 140,000 acres of property with an almost 800 year history, including the 120-room Blair Castle.

Blair Castle is a five-star, world-class visitor attraction. It is Scotland’s most visited private home, displaying unique treasures from the 16th century to the present day, including beautiful furniture, paintings, arms and armour, and china.

The present Duke of Atholl and his immediate family, including his grandson, Lord Strathtay, were born and raised in South Africa. His Grace succeeded a distant cousin to the title in 1996. Although His Grace still lives in South Africa, he has been able to visit Blair Castle regularly since he succeeded to the title and serves as Colonel of the Atholl Highlanders, who are the only remaining private army in Europe, having been granted the right to bear arms in the 1840s by Her Majesty Queen Victoria. Like his father and uncle, Lord Strathtay and his brother, Lord David Nicholas George Murray (born 31 January, 1986; 25; presumed single), are also commissioned officers in the regiment. Lord Strathtay joined the regiment in 2007.

Lord Strathtay studied at Stanford College, spent two years in London, then studied sports science at the University of Pretoria, specializing in mountain climbing, rugby, squash, and cricket. As of March 2010, he was working and living in London. On 28 and 29 May, 2011, Lord Strathtay will likely take part in the Atholl Gathering, an annual event at Blair Castle that features the Atholl Highlanders.