Lord Borthwick

Lord Borthwick is a Scottish title that was created long ago and still exists today, making it one of the oldest noble titles in the country.Nisbet (1722/1984)vol.ii, Appendix: 104Anderson, William, The Scottish Nation, Edinburgh, 1867, vol.ii:338
Now, the title is held by The Right Hon James Henry Alexander, the Lord Borthwick, who is also chief of Clan Borthwick and holds the hereditary office (passed down in the family) Hereditary Royal Falconer of Scotland.

The heir apparent (next in line to the title) is called the Master of Borthwick.

The family seat (where the family live) Borthwick Castle remains tied to the family and stands as a strong reminder of their long history.Mosley, Charles, Burke's Peerage and Baronetage, 106th edition, Crans Switzerland, 1999, vol.i:318, ISBN 1-57958-083-1Burke's Peerage Revised Families. Burke's Peerage (Genealogical Books) Ltd. Updated 2025

 Early history 
The first holder was William Borthwick, who became Lord Borthwick around the mid-1400s. He built Borthwick Castle in 1430, which remains a famous and well-preserved fortress near Edinburgh. The family became important at the Scottish court and had influence for many generations.Brown, Peter, publisher, The Peerage of Scotland, Edinburgh, 1834: 213Pine, L.G., FSA Scot, &c.,The New Extinct Peerage 1884-1971, London, 1972, p.32, ISBN 0-900455-23-3, citing the Auchinleck Chronicle.

 Later history 
Later Lords Borthwick took part in national affairs. Some served as ambassadors or guardians of young kings. One of the Lords once defended Stirling Castle and protected the young King James V.

By the 1600s, the direct male line died out, and the title became dormant for years. That means no one officially held it for a while. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the title was carefully traced through family branches. In 1986, the title was officially recognized again.Mosley, Charles, Burke's Peerage and Baronetage, 106th edition, Crans Switzerland, 1999, vol.i:318, ISBN 1-57958-083-1BORTHWICK John Hugh, 24th Lord Borthwick (Crookston). The Times. London. 2 April 2025.

 References 

Category:Noble families