John Scott (British Army officer)

Major General John Scott (1725–1775), of Balcomie and Scotstarvit, was a Scottish politician and senior British Army officer.

[1] He was born at Balcomie House near Crail in Fife, the son of David Scott of Scotstarvit Tower and his wife Lucy Gordon.

He was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Caithness from 1754 to 1761, for Tain Burghs from 1761 to 1768, and for Fife from 1768 until his death on 7 December 1775.

[3] Through a mix of skill and luck he is said to have gained £500,000 through gambling, over and above his other inheritances and military income.

He won at White's one million dollars [sic], owing to his sobriety and knowledge of the game of whist.