Early Origins and Mercer Family Lineage The Mercer family’s connection to Meikleour dates back to 1362, when King
David II granted the barony of Meikleour to John Mercer, a wealthy merchant from Perth who served as a royal counsellor and “frequently Scotland’s ambassador to
England,
France and
Holland”. Generations later, the Mercers endured both tragedy and transition: Henry Mercer of Meikleour was killed at the
Battle of Flodden in 1513, and James Mercer regained royal favour under
Charles II as a Gentleman Usher. Following these tragedies the Marquess withdrew from public life, focusing on the gardens, while many of the family’s collections were sold through
Christie’s.
21st Century Revival After the 8th Marquess died in 1999, Meikleour passed to his younger son’s line, represented by Lord Robert Harold Mercer Nairne. In the early 2000s a classical porch inspired by the 1734 entrance was added to the north front. Since 2006 the estate has been managed by Robert’s son Samuel Mercer Nairne and his wife Claire, who is French-born. Initially, they found the house inhospitable, but they remained and revitalised both the estate and the village hotel, the Meikleour Arms, creating self-catering accommodation in the stables, and promoting salmon fishing on the River Tay. ==Architecture==