James Mackay, Baron Mackay of Clashfern

James Peter Hymers Mackay, Baron Mackay of Clashfern (2 July 1927 – 7 July 2026) was a British lawyer. He served as Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, Lord Advocate, and Lord Chancellor (1987–1997). He was an active member of the House of Lords, where he sat as a Conservative; Mackay retired from the House on 22 July 2022.

Early life and education Mackay was born in Edinburgh on 2 July 1927.

Having won a scholarship, he was educated at George Heriot's School, an independent school in Edinburgh. His final contribution was during a debate on Seafarers' Wages Bill on 20 July 2022.

He served as Lord of Appeal in Ordinary for two years between 1985 and 1987, and as Lord Chancellor for a decade after. He was also Commissary to the University of Cambridge in the period between 2003 and 2016. as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mackay was raised a member of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland; as an adult he was an elder of the church.

As a Presbyterian, Mackay was a firm believer in moderation. At a gathering for the Faculty of Advocates, Mackay had laid on a spread of tea and toast, complete with a tiny pot of honey. One of the lawyers in attendance contemplated the pot and remarked, "I see your Lordship keeps a bee." Mackay was also the Honorary President of the Scottish Bible Society until his death. He was survived by his wife, Elizabeth ("Bett"), as well as children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A North Memorial Service took place on Wednesday 15th July at 11.30am at Kingsview Christian Centre, Inverness, which is the Inverness branch of the APC denomination. His Funeral Service took place on 23 July at St. Giles' Cathedral, in Edinburgh, followed by his interment in Dean Cemetery.

Honours and arms Mackay was appointed a Knight of the Thistle by Queen Elizabeth II on 27 November 1997. In 2007, the Queen appointed him to the office of Lord Clerk Register, replacing David Charteris, 12th Earl of Wemyss. He became a fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1984. In 1989, he was elected honorary fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. He received an honorary doctorate from Heriot-Watt University in 1990.

He was awarded an honorary degree (Doctor of Laws) by the University of Bath in 1994