Colonel James Moodie of Melsetter

COLONEL JAMES MOODIE OF MELSETTER (aka THE YOUNG LAIRD)

Colonel James Moodie of Melsetter is the son of William Moodie of Melsetter and his wife Barbara Stewart. The Moodie Book, pp. 32-4 His date of birth is not known but his parents were married on or after 23 November 1670, and it seems likely that he was born after this date.

Member of the Scottish Parliament

Colonel James Moodie of Melsetter was one of the Commissioners of Supply for Orkney in the the Parliament of 19 June 1702; and, as Captain James Moodie of Melsetter he was a Commissioner for Orkney and Shetland in the Parliament which met 6 July 1704. He was also a member of the last Scottish Parliament and appears to have voted for the Union with England. The Moodie Book, pp. 32-4

Soldier of Fortune

Colonel James Moodie of Melsetter entered the service of Spain and rose to the rank of Colonel. He afterwards entered the service of the Venetian Government and became Commander-in-Chief of their forces. The Moodie Book, pp. 32-4

Marriage

Colonel James Moodie of Melsetter is reported to have died unmarried. He is also reported to have had at least three children who were born out of wedlock. The Moodie Book, pp. 32-4

Bastard Bairns

1. N.N.
2. N.N.
3. N.N.

Evidence from the National Records of Scotland

                   1

15 September 1686: Execution of horning at instance of Elphinstone against James Moodie of Melsetter 15 September 1696. National Records of Scotland, Exchequer Records: Orkney Rentals and Accounts, reference E41/21

                    2

17 March 1711: Complaint of presbytery of Kirkwall, especially Thomas Baikie, minister at Kirkwall, and James Sands, minister at Birsay and Harray, against Captain James Moodie, who has called ministers giddie-headed gospel-mongers and is guilty of hellish malice' towards them, also complaining of episcopal intruders, especially James Lyon. Including a letter from Lord Morton date at London 17 March 1711. National Records of Scotland, Papers of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Main Series, reference CH1/2/31