The Wealthy British Family That Owns Scotland: The Dukes of Buccleuch

The Duke of Buccleuch’s real estate portfolio - expansive enough to turn the heads of seasoned tycoons - reportedly spans an impressive 200,000 acres.

With a dominion reflecting over five centuries of accrued power and prestige, this noble lineage has been part of the British aristocracy for many generations - with their multimillion-pound wealth and significant political influence consistently sending shockwaves through Britain’s historical epochs.

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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
1:22 Chapter 1: How It Feels To Own Scotland
4:40 Chapter 2: Rising from the Borders
7:45 Chapter 3: The Dukes of Buccleuch and Their Domain
11:17 Chapter 4: Controversies and Family Dynamics
14:18 Chapter 5: The Buccleuch Legacy and the Future

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Dive into the world of the Duke of Buccleuch, Richard Scott, the tenth Duke, who oversees an impressive real estate portfolio spanning up to 270,700 acres across the scenic landscapes of Scotland and England. This vast land includes historic estates like Bowhill House and Drumlanrig Castle, each with its unique charm and historical significance. Bowhill boasts a stunning art collection featuring works by Canaletto and Gainsborough, while Drumlanrig has been graced by figures like Bonnie Prince Charlie and Queen Victoria.

Beyond the land, the Duke's financial assets are staggering, with estimates varying widely. His net worth is speculated to be as high as 175 million pounds, not including his extensive landholdings. The Duke also chairs the Buccleuch Group, with interests in various sectors, and possesses an art collection featuring a da Vinci, valued at 150 million pounds.

The Duke's approach to wealth is not typical of aristocracy. He once considered selling a portion of his estate to the residents of Wanlockhead, demonstrating a willingness to break from tradition. His children, raised in this environment of privilege and responsibility, include Lady Louisa Montagu Douglas Scott, Walter John Francis Montagu Douglas Scott, Lord Charles Montagu Douglas Scott, and Lady Amabel Elizabeth Gabrielle Montagu Douglas Scott, each shaped by their unique upbringing under the guidance of their mother, Lady Elizabeth Kerr, a patron of the arts who passed away in 2023.

This video also explores the origins of the Buccleuch family's wealth and power, tracing back to the Scottish Borders in the 1440s. The Scotts of Buccleuch began their journey in Peeblesshire in 1116, expanding their landholdings through strategic acquisitions and marriages. Notable family members, like Sir Walter Scott, knighted in 1590, played pivotal roles in their rise to power. The family's strategic intermarriages in the 17th century further solidified their status as major landowners.

As we progress through history, we witness the challenges and transformations faced by the Dukes of Buccleuch. From Charles William Henry Montagu-Scott's rise in 1812 to the sixth Duke's political and economic endeavors in the early 20th century, each Duke navigated the complexities of their era. The family faced significant legal battles, including a contentious inheritance tax dispute in the 1960s and a claim for the recovery of a stolen da Vinci masterpiece.

In the 21st century, the ninth and tenth Dukes embraced environmental sustainability and modern economic challenges. The family ventured into renewable energy, land reform, and faced new controversies. The uncovering of family archives by Lady Charlotte Buccleuch offered a deeper insight into their historical significance and societal roles.

[oldmoneyluxury]

COMMENT: What is your opinion on “old money” aristocratic families like the Dukes of Buccleuch owning so much land - is it a good or a bad thing?

[jamesbunyan]

He is my neighbour. He is a good neighbour, and me and my dog have free run of his estate.
The attitude is, I don, t own it, I am just the caretaker looking after it, for future generations.
A breath of fresh air, in this current world!

[cornelia]

Wow, they certainly didn’t produce any fools in the Buccleugh family. An amazing story. I think they have done a wonderful job at preserving the past and using it to generate positive returns for the present and future. It must practically take an army to manage all that. If what I’ve read is correct, very few families have been able to preserve such a huge estate throughout centuries. Very shrewd.

[forbesmeek]

His film shows every prominent castle in Scotland, most of them nothing to do with the Buccleuch family. It does nothing to make their case

[davidhall]

it is one thing to aquire such vast land holdings, it is an all together different story to hold on to them.

[carolannemckenzie]

The 10th Duke is noblesse oblige personified. A remarkable man, as was his late wife.

[ElCampiador]

I am from the Scottish Borders of Scotland and I must say that without these great landowning families we would not have these magnificent Castles and stately homes dotting the beautiful landscapes, with their magnificent collections of art and grounds that in most places we can see, and as an aside the House of Lords should be for hereditary peers and lords of the realm who have a deep understanding of life in the counties and what impacts the common man and women.

[lizh]

You missed mentioning Lady Alice Montagu Scott Douglas who married Prince Henry Duke of Gloucester on December 1935.

[davidtoppin]

You should have touched on their Jewel collection which is by far bigger and more impressive than most royal houses dotted around Europe and other.

[Glasguensis]

I met the Duke once - a charming man. He did a great job a few years ago as Lord High Commissioner at the Kirk's General Assembly.

[andrewmilne]

Its a great thing to preserve the land fromthe building of towns

[walkabout]

In Scottish lands where heather sways,
The tale unfolds of wealth ablaze.
The Dukes of Buccleuch, a noble line,
A legacy of riches, vast and fine.

Across the moors, the castles stand,
Bowhill and Drumlanrig, tales so grand.
Art adorns their hallowed walls,
Yet echoes ring in distant halls.

Richard Scott, the tenth in line,
A fortune vast, a life defined.
Through 270, 700 acres he roams,
A kingdom held, a lavish home.

In Bowhill's grace, where art does bloom,
Canaletto's whispers, Gainsborough's plume.
Drumlanrig, where history entwines,
With Bonnie Prince and Queenly signs.

But should this wealth, so broadly spread,
Not touch the hearts where hunger's fed?
A da Vinci graces vaulted rooms,
Yet shadows cast in others' gloom.

Net worth soaring, pounds untold,
A tale of riches, vast and bold.
The Buccleuch Group, its interests vast,
Yet questions linger in the past.

A Duke who once considered change,
To Wanlockhead, a gesture strange.
A piece of land for those who dream,
Breaking from tradition's ageless seam.

Lady Louisa, Walter, and more,
Heirs to fortunes, legacy's lore.
Guided by Lady Elizabeth Kerr,
A patron gone, her presence dear.

The Buccleuch saga, from ancient morn,
In Peeblesshire, its roots are drawn.
Sir Walter Scott, a knightly name,
In 1590, rose to fame.

Through intermarriages, power gained,
In 17th century, destiny framed.
But as we tread through history's maze,
Complexities rise, altering ways.

In 1812, a Duke's ascent,
Political and economic intent.
Legal battles, a family strife,
Inheritance taxed, a da Vinci's life.

Challenges faced in the 20th's light,
Dukes navigating day and night.
Archives uncovered, Lady's grace,
Insight blooms, in history's embrace.

The 21st century, winds of change,
Sustainability, a venture arranged.
Renewable whispers, controversies new,
A family's journey, old and true.

As Scotland's hills in silence hear,
The echoes of wealth, and shadows near,
A question lingers, poignant, deep,
Should privilege be a vow to keep?

In the vastness that Buccleuch commands,
A poem whispers, across the lands.
We ponder on, in musings free,
The balance sought in legacy.

[LJB]

Well, at least they're Scottish which is more than can be said for Anders Povlsen who seems to now own about as much land as the duke (as per your own video about him).

[robertmiller]

They are very much respected in the neighbourhood

[josephinequarcoopome]

Thank you for sharing this narrative which is new to some of us. Since 2023 is not yet ended, and you have stated that Lady Elizabeth Kerr "died in 2023", then her Family still is in an attitude of mourning. Condolences to them. What is clear is that this enterprising and progressive Family/dynasty have not lost sight of the forces of change and have evolved with the changing times impacting on all and sundry, across the centuries. May success continue to crown their endeavours. JQ.06.12.2023.GH.

[battmatt]

Oliver Twist is obviously the pinup boy in this conversation...

[stuartpasley]

3.5 million, don't make me laugh, that's just his pocket money.

[TheOtherSideoftheHill]

Here here to the Buccleuch’s! This family must have been very savvy to preserve so much of the family portfolio. The current Buccleuch family appears to be just as successful. I’m not sure why the animosity towards the family for their holdings. I suppose being a capitalist and from the US.

[dmcg]

There isnt alot of socital equality when one family owns 270, 000acres. After irish independence landholdings like this were broken up and divided amongst the locals. It gives a more equal society and people have personal wealth and can aspire to be more than a lowly tennant, in the same way Thatcher allowed people to buy their council houses.

[ayannafit]

This was interesting, thank you. I had never heard of the Buccleuch family despite living on Buccleuch street when I lived in Scotland 😊