| Hereditary Sheriff of Fife | |
|---|---|
 Arms of the Fife Area Council | |
since 26 November 2004 | |
| Style | The Much Honoured |
| Succession | Hereditary, with remainder to heirs and assigns whatsoever |
There are two distinct sheriffdoms associated with the region of Fife in Scotland. In 1881, the administrative sheriffdom was combined with the former sheriffdom of Kinross, resulting in the establishment of the Sheriff of Fife and Kinross.[1] This combined sheriffdom existed until 1975, when it was largely incorporated into the new, larger sheriffdom of Tayside, Central and Fife.
The Hereditary Sheriffdom of Fife is an office in the Baronage of Scotland that is still exists. The current Hereditary Sheriff of Fife is Sir Philip Christopher Ondaatje, Earl of Rothes (Scots Baron).[2]
The administrative Sheriffs of Fife had the duty of upholding law and order in Fife, and ensuring that criminals were brought to justice. Until 1748, these administrative sheriffdoms were predominantly held hereditarily. However, after the Jacobite uprising of 1745, they were replaced by salaried sheriff-deputes who were qualified advocates and members of the Scottish Bar.
- ^ "Resignation of a Sheriff". Dundee Courier. 30 August 1881.
- ^ "Note on the Petition of Willi Ernst Sturzenegger of Arran" (PDF). Court of the Lord Lyon.