SUTHERLAND, John 8th Earl of Sutherland ^{1 2}

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  General Notes:

"John, eighth Earl of Sutherland, who was the second, but eldest surviving, son of the seventh Earl, is first mentioned in the resignation made in his favour by his father on 22 February 1455-56."

"Sir Robert Gordon charges the Earl with unkindness to his mother, and with ruthless cruelty towards some of his own relatives, but he says nothing about the probable cause of these and other shortcomings, namely the Earl's mental weakness. A brieve of idiotry was issued by King James IV. in 1494, and after the usual proceedings the Earl was, by a jury, declared incapable of managing his own affairs, and he was placed under the care of a tutor. Sir James Dunbar of Cumnock."

from Scots Peerage ¹

John married Daughter MACDONALD, daughter of Alexander MACDONALD 10th Earl of Ross, Lord of the Isles and Unknown.¹ (Daughter MACDONALD was born about 1448.)

  Marriage Notes:

"Sir Robert Gordon says this Earl married a daughter of Alexander Macdonald, Lord of the Isles, though no proof is forthcoming. Sir Robert adds that this lady was nearly drowned wliile crossing the ferry at Unes, and was found in a state of weakness and slain by a robber. She must have been his first wife."

from Scots Peerage (vol 8) ¹

John next married.