TheSecretary of Scotland orLord Secretary was a senior post in thegovernment of theKingdom of Scotland.
The office appeared in the 14th century (or earlier) when it was combined with that ofKeeper of the Privy Seal. CalledClericus Regis (although some have applied that to theLord Clerk Register), he was regarded as anOfficer of State. The Secretary was constantly to attend the King's person, receive the petitions and memorials that were presented to him, and write the King's answers upon them. AllLetters Patent passed through his hands, and were drawn up by him as with all the King's letters and dispatches, warrants, orders, &c. In the case of lengthy documents a short docket was also subscribed by the Secretary for the King's perusal, as a summary; and as all the writings signed by the King came through his hands, he was answerable for them if they contained anything derogatory to the laws or the dignity of The Crown.[1]
From 1626 until their respective deaths, KingCharles I divided the duties between two Secretaries, the Earl of Glencairn and Sir Archibald Achison of Glencairn.
The Secretary did not invariably sit in theParliament of Scotland after 1603, because his duties normally involved his attendance upon themonarch who was thereafter resident inEngland. Between 1608 and 1640 there were often two Secretaries, which became normal practice after 1680, although only one could sit in Parliament.
The office was abolished as such in 1709, though from then until 1725 and again from 1742 to 1746 there was a third Secretary of State with particular responsibility forScottish affairs, for those posts, seeSecretary of State for Scotland.
For the equivalent position after the1707 Treaty seeSecretary of State for Scotland
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