Admiral of the Fleet Sir James Elphinstone Erskine, KCB DL JP (2 December 1838 – 25 July 1911) was a Scottish Royal Navy officer.

[6] The expedition was joined by Charles Emanuel Lyne, a correspondent from The Sydney Morning Herald,[7] and at least one photographer,[8] to document and report on the events.

[9] Promoted to rear admiral on 18 January 1886,[10] Erskine became Junior Naval Lord under the third Gladstone ministry in February 1886 but left office six months later when the Government fell.

[2] Promoted to vice admiral on 14 February 1892,[11] he significantly extended Venlaw that year adding an extra storey and a large south wing and turret.

[14] Erskine was appointed First and Principal Naval Aide-de-Camp to the King on 20 April 1901,[15] promoted to Admiral of the Fleet on 3 October 1902[16] and installed as Deputy Lieutenant of Peeblesshire on 25 February 1907.

Their daughter served in the Women's Royal Naval Service in the First World War, founded the first Girl Guide group in Scotland, and worked for charitable causes, including housing former prisoners.