George Iain Murray, 10th Duke of Atholl DL (19 June 1931 – 27 February 1996), known as Wee Iain, was a Scottish peer and landowner.
Murray was the only surviving child of Lieutenant-Colonel George Anthony Murray (1907–1945), who was killed in action in the Second World War, and the Honourable Angela, daughter of Weetman Pearson, 2nd Viscount Cowdray. He was a great-grandson of Sir George Murray, grandson of the Right Reverend George Murray, son of the Right Reverend Lord George Murray, second son of John Murray, 3rd Duke of Atholl. He attended both Eton and Christ Church, Oxford, before succeeding the 9th duke, his fourth cousin twice removed, as Duke of Atholl in 1957.[1]
He inherited an estate of approximately 120,000 acres (496 km2)—although this was a decline from the 190,000 acres (769 km2) in the 19th century, it was still a smaller decline than many other Scottish estates. Under his stewardship, the estate in and around Blair Castle became a significant area for forestry, on which he was an acknowledged expert and spoke many times in the House of Lords, and tourism, having been elected a Scottish Representative Peer in 1958.[1] In addition, he resurrected the Atholl Highlanders, the ceremonial private army of the dukedom. He was an active member of the Conservative Monday Club.[2] He also held several business appintments, notably as Chairman of BPM Holdings between 1972 and 1983 and of Westminster Press Group between 1974 and 1996 and as a director of Pearson Longman between 1975 and 1983. In 1980 he was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Perth and Kinross.[1]
Atholl died unmarried in February 1996, aged 64, with the titles passing to his second cousin once removed, John Murray.[1]
| Peerage of Scotland | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by James Stewart-Murray |
Duke of Atholl 1957-1996 |
Succeeded by John Murray |