PITSLIGO, Baron Forbes of, a title (attainted in 1746) in the peerage of Scotland, conferred by patent, dated at Holyrood, 24th March, 1633, to him and his heirs male whatsoever, on Alexander Forbes of Pitsligo, Aberdeenshire, descended from Sir William Forbes, second son of Alexander de Forbes, justiciary of Aberdeen, who died in 1405. On the death of the first Lord Pitsligo, 25th October, 1635, his son, Alexander, became second lord, and was succeeded by his only son, Alexander, third lord, who died in 1691. Of his son, Alexander, fourth and last Lord Pitsligo, was celebrated for his share in the rebellion of 1745, and for his various adventures and escapes subsequent to it. After Culloden, with Lord Ogilvy and Hunter of Burnside, he got safe to Bergen in Norway, whence the party proceeded to Sweden. Lord Pitsligo afterwards returned to Scotland, and lurked amongst his tenantry in Aberdeenshire, till his death in 1762, at the advanced age of 85. His sister, the Hon. Mary Forbes, by her first husband, John Forbes, younger of Monymusk, was the mother of Sir William Forbes, baronet, father of the eminent banker of that name. Lord Pitsligo’s only son, John, master of Pitsligo, died in 1781, without issue.

The title is claimed by Sir John Forbes of Pitsligo and Fettercairn, baronet; by Sir Charles Forbes of Newe and Edinglassie, baronet; and by John Alexander Forbes, Esq., formerly lieutenant-colonel of the 92d Highlanders.