WILLIAM III, 48TH EARL (10TH) 1765-1779

On the death of Earl Alexander a contest arose as to the succession, the dignity being claimed by James Sinclair in Reiss and William Sinclair of Rattar. David Sinclair of Broynach, only brother of the 46th Earl, John IV, by a second marriage - which was afterwards pronounced irregular by the highest legal authorities in Scotland - had two sons, David and Donald. The latter had a son dead ante 1767, and the elder son David had two sons, James in Reiss (the claimant) and John, living in 1767. Rattar claimed as heir-male of Sir John Sinclair of Greenland and Rattar. In conjoined claims to be served heir before the Macers, after proof by both parties, the jury, on 28th November 1768, pronounced a verdict by a majority in favour of Rattar, which, after various proceedings before the Court of Session, was confirmed. In 1772 the Committee of Privileges adjudged him the title. In 1786 James Sinclair threatened to renew the claim, but dying in 1788 the matter was apparently ended, as no male descendant of Broynach was known then to be alive.

William III married Barbara, daughter of John Sinclair of Scotscalder, and died at Edinburgh 29th November 1779. By her he had

1. JOHN, 49th Earl.
2. WILLIAM, lieutenant in the American war; died without issue at New York.
3. JAMES, died young unmarried
4. ALEXANDER, died young unmarried
5. DAVID, died young unmarried
6. ISABELLA, died unmarried.
7. JANET, married James Traill of Rattar, and dying in 1805 was buried in Roslin Chapel.

NOTE - In the event of the Sarclet Sinclairs establishing legitimacy of descent from David Sinclair of Broynach, the comitial designation accorded to the 48th and subsequent earls will become void. Numbers 52 and 53 will then become Barons Barrogill, and Numbers 50 et seq baronets of Mey.

JOHN V, 49TH (11TH) EARL 1779-1789