James Steuart of Coltness

Sir James Steuart of Coltness (1608 – 31 March 1681) was a Scottish merchant, banker, landowner, politician and Covenanter.

Early life Steuart was the second son of Marion Carmichael and James Steuart (1575–1607), of Allanton, Lanarkshire, and was born posthumously. Marion was sister of Sir James Carmichael, Justice General of Scotland.

Career He was a merchant and banker in Edinburgh, acquired a large fortune, then acquired the estates of Kirkfield (from Sir John Somerville of Cambusnethan) and Coldness (from Sir John Hamilton of Edston), both in Lanarkshire, in 1653.

He became a burgess of Edinburgh and guild member in 1631, apparently through his marriage to Thomas Hope's niece.

His period of office as Provost included the decision to fortify the harbour of Leith and to create a new road between Edinburgh and Leith (later called Leith Walk.

Personal life In 1630, he married Anne Hope (d. 1646), daughter of Henry Hope and niece of Sir Thomas Hope of Craighall. Together, they had: Sir Thomas Steuart, 1st Baronet of Coltness (1631–1698)

Sir James Steuart died on 31 March 1681.