Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

Born in 1942, James has MA (Hons) in LLB. He was a Captain in the Territorial Army Volunteer Reserve. He is married and has four sons.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton is Member of the Scottish Parliament for Lothians. He has been a Member of the Scottish Parliamentary Bureau and a Member of the Standards Committee.

He stood as MP for Hamilton in February 1974. He was elected as MP for Edinburgh West in October 1974, 1979, 1983, 1987 and 1992. He was a councillor from 1972-74 and also a Scots Advocate. He was MP for Edinburgh West from 1974-1997 and a Scottish Office Minister from 1987-1997.

James Alexander Douglas-Hamilton was a prominent figure in Scottish politics for over three decades who died in November 2023.


Born in 1942 to the 14th Duke of Hamilton, Douglas-Hamilton hailed from a distinguished Scottish lineage. He received his education at prestigious institutions like Eton College, Balliol College (Oxford), and the University of Edinburgh, where he obtained a law degree.

Douglas-Hamilton's foray into politics began in the 1970s. He served as a local councilor and later secured a seat in the House of Commons, representing Edinburgh West. Notably, he also held positions within the Scottish Office during this period. His political journey continued with various ministerial appointments, including Under-Secretary and Minister of State for Scotland.

An interesting twist arose in 1994 when Douglas-Hamilton inherited the Earldom of Selkirk. However, the Peerage Act prevented him from holding a seat in the House of Commons while possessing a peerage. He subsequently disclaimed the title to continue his parliamentary career. After losing his seat in the 1997 election, he was elevated to the House of Lords as Baron Selkirk of Douglas. He retired from the Lords in 2023.

Douglas-Hamilton also played a significant role in the newly established Scottish Parliament, serving as a member from 1999 to 2007. He actively participated in the Education Committee and maintained a focus on Scottish affairs throughout his time in the House of Lords.

Beyond his political contributions, Douglas-Hamilton was an author. He penned books on historical events, including "Motive For a Mission" which explored his father's encounter with Rudolf Hess during World War II.

James Douglas-Hamilton's dedication to Scottish politics left a lasting mark. He navigated the complexities of the House of Commons, the Scottish Parliament, and the House of Lords, advocating for his constituents and his nation.

James Alexander Douglas-Hamilton, 11th Earl of Selkirk; 1994, disclaimed his peerage later in 1994, cr Lord Selkirk of Douglas 1997, born in Dungavel 31.7.1942; married in Canongate Church, Edinburgh on 24 August 1974 Hon Priscilla Susan Buchan (born 22 February 1949) only child of 2nd Baron Tweedsmuir and Baroness Tweedsmuir of Belhelvie (LP, d 1978).

• I1. John Andrew Douglas-Hamilton, Lord Daer, Master of Selkirk, *8.2.1978
• I2. Charles Douglas Douglas-Hamilton, *20.6.1979
• I3. James Robert Douglas-Hamilton, *Western General hospital, Edinburgh 25.8.1981
• I4. Harry Alexander Douglas-Hamilton, *Western General Hospital, Edinburgh 25.8.1981

Educ Eton, Balliol Coll Oxford (Boxing Blue 1961, Pres Oxford U C Assoc 1963 and Union 1964, MA) and Edinburgh U (LLB); 

Capt (RARO) Cameronians Co 2nd Bn Lowlands Vols TA, Hon A/Cdre No 2 (City of Edinburgh) Maritime HQ Unit 1994–; advocate 1968, memb Murrayfield-Cramond Cncl Edinburgh 1972, MP (C) Edinburgh West 1974–97, Assist Govt Whip (Scottish C MPs) 1977, Ld Commr Treasury 1979–81, PPS to: FCO Min 1983–86 and Sec State Scotland 1986–87, Parly U-Sec Home Affrs and Environment 1987–92, Educn and Housing Scottish Off 1992–95, Min State Home Affrs and Health Scottish Off 1995–97; Hon Pres Scottish Amateur Boxing Assoc 1975, Pres Roy Cwlth Soc Scotland 1979–87, Scottish Cncl UNA 1981–87; 

Author: Motive for a Mission: The Story behind Hess’s Flight to Britain (1971), The Air Battle for Malta: the diaries of a fighter pilot 1981 (2nd edn 1990), Roof of the World: man’s first flight over Everest (1983), The Truth About Rudolph Hess (1993);

James Alexander Douglas-Hamilton had been a prominent figure in Scottish politics for over three decades when he died in November 2023.