Lord Torphichen

Lord Torphichen or Baron Torphichen^[1] is a title in the Peerage of Scotland. It was created by Queen Mary in 1564 for Sir James Sandilands (to whom she was related), with remainder to his heirs and assigns whatsoever.^[2][3][4] John Horne Stevenson, then Marchmont Herald, wrote in “Dignities” (vol. 4, 1897, p. 226-7): That the barony of Torphichen was the only possible exception to the general rule that peerages cannot be transmitted and must be inherited. As such, it is the only peerage title that may potentially be legally separated from the bloodline, allowing it to be assigned or passed on to heirs who are not direct descendants. However, the legal status of this is uncertain, as it has not yet been tested and ruled on by the courts.

The first Lord Torphichen had previously served as Preceptor of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes, and of Malta in Scotland, and took the title from the Torphichen Preceptory in West Lothian. He was succeeded by his great-nephew James Sandilands (who was also the current feudal baron of Calder). Thereafter the Lordship of Parliament of Torphichen and the Feudal Barony of Calder were conjoined, and all later lords were descended from the second Lord Torphichen. His great-grandson, the seventh Lord, was a strong supporter of the union with England. His grandson, the ninth Lord, and great-great-grandson, the 12th Lord, sat in the House of Lords as Scottish representative peer.^[5] As of 2017^[update], the title is held by the latter's great-grandson, the 15th Lord, who succeeded his father in 1975. He is Chief of Clan Sandilands and also holds the feudal title of Baron of Calder, granted in 1386.^[4]

Torphichen, is pronounced 'Tor-fikken'.

The family seat is Calder House, near Mid Calder, West Lothian.