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Royal Stuarts
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 Scottish Peerage

Duke

First created in 1397 when King Robert III created his eldest son David, Duke of Rothsay and his brother Robert, Duke of Albany. The creation of this dignity formerly took place in full parliament with much ceremony; but the honour is now conferred simply by patent under the Great Seal.

A Duke is styled His Grace; and by the monarch in public instruments, Our right Trusty and right entirely Beloved Cousin. If in privy council then Councellor. His general style is the most Noble with his sons by courtesy styled Lords and daughters Ladies.

Marquess

First created from the government of marches.

A Marquess is styled Most Honourable and by the Monarch, Our right Trusty and entirely beloved Cousin. His sons by courtesy styled Lords and daughters Ladies.

Earl

Anciently called Comes as it was the Earl's to accompany the Monarch.

An Earl is styled Right Honourable and by the Monarch, Our right Trusty and entirely beloved Cousin.

Viscount

Was formerly the deputy of an Earl; but the appellation afterwards became a degree of honour, and was made hereditary.

A Viscount is styled Right Honourable and by the Monarch, Our right Trusty and entirely beloved Cousin.

Baron

This dignity is extremely ancient. The Saxon word was Thane, which the Normans changed into Baron.

A Baron is styled Right Honourable and by the Monarch, Our right Trusty and entirely beloved Cousin.



Scottish Peers take precedence of all British Peers of the same rank.

Priviledges of Peerage

The principal priviledges enjoyed by the nobility of Scotland are as follows:

They are free from all arrests for debts, as being the king's hereditary counsellors. For the same reason, they cannot be outlawed in any civil action; and no attachment lies against their persons. Formerly their servants enjoyed the same privilege, but they were deprived of it by act of parliament in 1770. Peers are also free from attending courts leet, sheriff's turns, or in case of riot, attending the posse comitatus.

In criminal cases they can only be tried by their peers, in a court erected for that purpose. The peerrs give their verdict not upon oath as other jurors do, but only upon their honour.

There is an express law called scandalum magnatum, by which any man convicted of making a scandalous report against a peer (though true) is condemned to pay an arbitrary fine.

Lord Kingsale is the only peer who has the privilege of being covered in the royal presense without permission.

From the Peerage of Scotland, 1834

For more information on Feudal Titles.