Scottish Nobility. Earl of Perth.

The Earl of Perth is a title in the Peerage of Scotland, held by the head of the Clan Drummond. This earldom is particularly notable for its long and often turbulent history, closely intertwined with periods of great political and religious upheaval in Scotland, especially the Jacobite risings.

Key Aspects of the Earldom of Perth

Origin of the Title and the Drummond Clan

• Creation: The Earldom of Perth was created in 1605 for James Drummond, 4th Lord Drummond of Cargill.
• Family: The Drummonds are an ancient and distinguished Scottish clan with origins believed to be Hungarian, arriving in Scotland in the 11th or 12th century. They became significant landowners in Perthshire (hence the title) and have played prominent roles throughout Scottish history.

The Jacobite Connection and Forfeiture

The Drummond Earls of Perth were staunch supporters of the House of Stuart and the Jacobite cause, which led to a dramatic period of forfeiture and restoration for the title:

• James Drummond, 4th Earl of Perth (1648–1716): This Earl was a highly prominent figure. He became Lord Chancellor of Scotland and converted to Catholicism, making him a key ally of King James VII (James II of England). When James VII was deposed in the Glorious Revolution of 1688, the Earl of Perth followed him into exile in France.
• In exile, James VII created him Duke of Perth (in the Jacobite peerage, which was not recognized by the British Crown).
• Due to his Jacobite allegiance, his Scottish titles, including the Earldom of Perth, were forfeited by attainder in 1695 by the Scottish Parliament.
• The Jacobite Risings: Subsequent Drummonds were also deeply involved in the Jacobite Risings of the 18th century (e.g., the 1715 and 1745 rebellions), further cementing the family’s association with the lost Stuart cause.

Restoration of the Titles

After more than a century and a half of forfeiture, the titles were eventually restored:

• 1853: The Earldom of Perth and other associated peerages were restored to George Drummond (a descendant of the 4th Earl) by an Act of Parliament. This marked the end of the long period of attainder and allowed the Drummonds to officially reclaim their ancestral honors.

Family Seats

Historically, the principal seat of the Earls of Perth was Drummond Castle in Perthshire, famous for its magnificent formal gardens, which are among the finest in Europe.

Clan Chief

The Earl of Perth is the hereditary Chief of Clan Drummond.

The current holder of the title is James Drummond, 18th Earl of Perth. His family’s history vividly illustrates the shifting loyalties and profound consequences of political and religious divisions in Scotland over several centuries.