William Sutherland, 10th of Duffus

He was the son of William Sutherland, 9th of Duffus who had married firstly, Margaret, daughter of George Sinclair, 4th Earl of Caithness.

From that date onward he was embroiled with his neighbors, beginning with differences with Sir Robert Gordon, 1st Baronet who was then the Tutor of the Earl of Sutherland.

He also took up an aggressive position in regard to the tithes of the lands of Proncy, not only by legal means to stop them going to the young Earl of Sutherland, but also by carrying off the Teind-Sheaves to his own barns.

The matter was brought before the Court of Session which decided against him on the issue of the tithes, but he submitted other questions in dispute to arbitration which was arranged to take place at Elgin, Moray in October 1617.

The Sutherland Laird of Duffus was the first to use violence, assaulting Gordon and slightly wounding him.