The Historiographer Royal is a member of the Royal household of Scotland. The office was created in 1681, and was in abeyance from 1709 until 1763 when it was revived for Principal William Robertson of the University of Edinburgh.
The post, which now has no formal responsibilities or salary, is appointed by the Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland, i.e. the First Minister.
The current office-holder is Christopher Smout, Emeritus Professor of History at the University of St Andrews.
Holders of the office are:
Office vacant from 1709 until 1763