He was the son of William Sutherland, 6th of Duffus who had been killed in 1530,[1] in Thurso by the Clan Gunn who according to Sir Robert Gordon, 1st Baronet had been instigated to do so by Andrew Stewart who was the Bishop of Caithness.
He then seized one of the Bishop's servants and as a result he and his uncle, the Dean of Caithness, were brought before the Privy Council of Scotland.
[3] In around 1534, Sutherland of Duffus granted a discharge to John Murray of Cambusavie for the balance of 500 merks due to his father.
He granted on mortgage the lands of Kinstearie and Brichtmony to John Campbell of Calder in February 1540.
[3] Also in 1542, William Sutherland of Duffus and Donald Mackay, 11th of Strathnaver submitted to the arbitration of James Stewart, Earl of Moray their claims to certain lands which had caused much blood-shed but in the end was decided in favour of Mackay which ended the feud.