Sir Robert Crichton, Lord Advocate

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SIR ROBERT CRICHTON OF ELIOCK AND CLUNY

Lord Advocate

Evidence from the National Records of Scotland

17 December 1593: Charter of confirmation under the great seal of 2 charters by Robert Creichtoun of Clwnie to James Stewart of Stuikis, both dated 21 Oct 1593, one of the lands and barony of Cluny, the other of the lands of Eliok and Ewchan in the barony of Sanquhair, sheriffdom of Dumfries. 3 Dec 1593. [Fragment of seal appended; registered R.M.S.]. Bond by the said James Stewart to the said Robert Crichtoun that, under provisions herein specified, he shall infeft the said Robert, in liferent, and his heirs, in fee, whom failing to Margaret Crichtoun, spouse of Robert Dalzell, yr., of that Ilk, Grisel Crichtoun, spouse of Mr. Thomas Dumbar, dean of Moray and Helen Crichtoun, spouse of Thomas Griersone, yr., of Barcarge, sisters of the said Robert and also the heirs of the deceased Marie Crichtoun, spouse of the said James Stewart and of the deceased Elizabeth Crichtoun, spouse of Mr. James Donaldsone, advocate, also sisters of the said Robert, equally among them five, in the foresaid lands when required so to do. Edinburgh, 17 Dec 1593. In dorso: warrant for registration. Letters of reversion by the said James Stewart to the said Robert Crichtoun. Edinburgh, 12 April 1595. [2 tags, seals gone]. [309.44] [311.46]. (3 items). National Records of Scotland, Papers of the Earls of Airlie, reference GD16/5/121

Biographical Summary

Supposed to have been son of another Robert Crichton, and father of the Admirable Crichton. He was appointed Lord Advocate jointly with John Spens of Condie, on the 8th February 1560. He appears to have been favourable to the queen's cause in the beginning of her son's reign, and was sent for by that princess into England after the death of the Regent Murray. Lennox however prevented this, having made Elliock find caution to the extent of L.4000 Scots that he should not leave the city of Edinburgh. This feeling was probably the reason why, on the death of Spens in 1573, he was not appointed to his place on the bench, which was given to David Borthwick of Lochill, who was at the same time appointed joint advocate. On the 6th January 1580, he obtained a letter from the king, declaring it to be the royal pleasure that he should, upon Borthwick's decease, succeed to his place in the Session, and continue sole advocate; and he procured a similar letter on the 7th December preceding, requiring them to admit him during Borthwick's sickness, but it does not appear that he took his seat until the 1st February 1581, after the decease of his colleague. He was, in 1581, appointed one of the parliamentary commissioners for Reformation of Hospitals. He died between the 18th June 1582, when he made his testament, and the 27th of that month, when David McGill was appointed to fill both his situations.An Historical Account of the Senators of the College of Justice: From Its Institution in MDXXXII; by George Brunton, David Haig; 1832; Page 176