Alexander Sutherland, 8th of Duffus

He was the son of William Sutherland, 7th of Duffus (died 1543) and his wife Elizabeth Stewart.

He was still a minor in December 1554, when he was infeft under dispensation from John Gordon, 11th Earl of Sutherland as overlord of the lands of Skelbo and Invershin.

Alexander Sutherland of Duffus subsequently supported the Earl of Caithness in political matters and became mixed up in his disputes with his neighbors.

According to Sir Robert Gordon, it was Sutherland of Duffus who put to death the hostages who had been surrendered as surety to the Earl of Caithness by the people of Dornoch, and that Sutherland of Duffus was so overcome with remorse that he fell ill and died soon after.

[2] Alexander Sutherland, 8th of Duffus married by a contract dated 26 January 1552–53, while he was still under age, to Janet, third daughter of James Grant of Freuchie.