James Crichton, Viscount Frendraught (d. ca. 1664/65), was the eldest son of James Crichton of Frendraught, by Elizabeth, eldest daughter of John Gordon, twelfth earl of Sutherland. He was descended from William Crichton, 1st Lord Crichton. His father was of very turbulent disposition, and in October 1630 several friends whom he had urged to stay in his house to protect him from the threatened assault of his enemies were burnt to death there under circumstances that threw suspicion on himself. His chief enemies were the Gordons of Rothemay, who repeatedly plundered Frendraught.[1]
The son James Crichton was created baron of Frendraught in 1641 and Viscount Frendraught in 1642. He took part in Montrose's last expedition, and was present at the battle of Invercharran (1650). In the rout Montrose's horse was disabled, and Frendraught gave him his own, which enabled him to make good his escape for a time.[1]
Frendraught died some time between 14 July 1664 and 17 August 1665[2] by his own hand on the field of battle[1], and was succeeded by his son by his second marriage, also named James.[2]