John Scott (British Army officer)

Major-general John Scott of Balcomie (bapt. 1725 – 7 December 1775) was a Scottish politician and senior British Army officer.

He was born the son of David Scott (of Scotstarvit). He joined the British Army in 1741 as an ensign in the 12th Regiment of Foot and rose via different regiments to the rank of Major-general in 1770.

He served as Colonel of the 108th regiment of Foot from 1762 to 1763 and as Colonel of the 26th (Cameronian) Regiment of Foot from 1763 to his death.

He was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Caithness from 1754 to 1761, for Tain Burghs from 1761 to 1786, and for Fife from 1768 until his death in 1775.

A successful gambler, he purchased Denmylne Castle in Fife in 1772. Not requiring the castle itself he allowed it to fall into a state of disrepair.

He died in 1775.

Page 297 of the book "Forty Years a Gambler on the Mississippi" by George Devol, states- "General Scott, the father-in-law of George Canning, made one of the largest winnings ever known. He won at White's one million dollars, owing to his sobriety and knowledge of the game of whist."

On 5 November 1770, he married Lady Mary Hay, daughter of the Earl of Errol, then 16 years old; they were divorced in 1771. It is mentioned in one source that she eloped with another man.

He married secondly, on 5 June 1773 Margaret, daughter of Robert Dundas, of Arniston, the younger. They had three daughters:

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