Clan chief of wavering loyalty, described as 'the most devious man in Scotland'. Born in Tomich (Highland), Lovat studied at King's College, Aberdeen. His early years were spent securing the Lovat title, including a forced marriage to Amelia, the Lady Lovat, the widow of a relation. This resulted in him having to flee to France, although he did gain the title. There he converted to Roman Catholicism and became involved with the exiled court of King James VII by that time led by his son the 'Old Pretender'. He returned to Scotland and reluctantly took the Government side during the 1715 Jacobite Rebellion, gaining himself a pardon for his past indiscretions and secured his title and estates. However, his only loyalty was to his family and himself and in 1745 he sent his son, with men, to support another rebellion led by Bonnie Prince Charlie. After this rebellion failed, Lovat was taken to London, tried for treason and beheaded, the last Briton to meet with this form of execution. His estates fell forfeit to the Crown.
