James Haldane Tait

Rear-Admiral James Haldane Tait (1771–1845) was a 19th-century Scottish naval commander during the Napoleonic Wars and through the early 19th century.

The Cleopatra saw great action in 1796 with Tait present: capturing the French ships Aurore, Hirondelle, Basque and Nouvelle Eugenie.

After some time with the Sea Fencibles at Dunbar, he was given command of HMS Volcano in October 1803 protecting Dungeness.

He is buried in St Cuthberts churchyard in central Edinburgh just west of Princes Street Gardens.

The grave lies on the small mound to the south-west of the church, backing onto the upper vaults.

He was married three times: firstly to Mary Duncan (probably his cousin); secondly Miss Stewart Cunninghame; and lastly to Marion Yule (d.1878).