Lord Torphichen or Baron Torphichen[1] (pronounced tˈoː͡ɹfɪkən) is a title in the Peerage of Scotland. It was created by Queen Mary in 1564 for Sir James Sandilands (to whom she was related).[2][3][4]
The title stands as a rare exception to the typical rule that peerages cannot be transferred and must be inherited.[5] It is the only peerage title that might be alienated from the bloodline, enabling it to be transferred or passed on to heirs who are not direct descendants. However, its legal status remains unclear, as it has not yet been examined or adjudicated by the courts.
As of 2017[update], the title is held by the 15th Lord, who succeeded his father in 1975. He is Chief of Clan Sandilands and also holds the title of Baron of Calder, granted in 1386.[4]
The family seat is Calder House, near Mid Calder, West Lothian.
- ^ "No. 23622". The London Gazette. 7 June 1870. p. 2876.
- ^ Lodge, Edmund, The Genealogy of the Existing British Peerage and Baronetage, Oxford University, 1869, P. 541
- ^ Debrett's Peerage at Internet Archive.
- ^ a b Douglas, Robert. The Peerage of Scotland: Containing an historical and genealogical account of the nobility of that kingdom. pp. 669–672. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
- ^ Stevenson, John Horne (1897). Dignities. Vol. 4. pp. 226–227.