James Douglas, Duke of Queensberry, was a Scottish statesman and one of the Scottish commissioners who negotiated the Treaty of Union of 1707. Having established an important political profile under William of Orange, he consolidated his position under Queen Anne. He served as Lord High Treasurer of Scotland, and was Lord High Commissioner during the last session of the Scottish Parliament. Queensberry believed strongly in the advantages of a political union with England, declaring that it would be ‘highly advantageous for the peace and wealth of both Kingdoms and a great security for the Protestant Religion everywhere’. It is ironic, therefore, that his former residence on the Canongate in Edinburgh is now part of the new Scottish Parliament.