James Sinclair, 12th Earl of Caithness (1766–1823) was a Scottish noble, Earl of Caithness and chief of the Clan Sinclair, a Highland Scottish clan.
[2] He was the son of Sir John Sinclair of Mey, Baronet who he succeeded in the baronetcy in 1774.
Following his death on 16 July 1823[4] the post was filled by Sir David Wedderburn, 1st Baronet.
[5] He was lord-lieutenant of the county of Caithness and lieutenant-colonel of the Ross-shire militia.
[2] He married at Thurso Castle on 2 January 1784 Jane, second daughter of Alexander Campbell of Bareldine who was deputy governor of Fort George.