The chief Banffshire parliamentary families were the Abercrombys, the Duffs, and the Ogilvies. From 1708 to 1727 the seat was held by Alexander Abercromby, the paid supporter of successive Governments, who wrote of himself in 1713 as having been ‘unanimously chosen, which I flatter myself I shall always be in this shire while I think it convenient or desirable’.1 In 1727 Abercromby was succeeded by William Duff of Braco, who in 1734 put up his brother-in-law, James Abercromby, the son of the previous Member. ‘Should this take place’, an opponent wrote, ‘the writ of election in this county ought to be directed to Braco to return whom he pleases’.2 Henceforth Duff, created Baron Braco [I] 1735, completely dominated the county, nominating its Members from 1747 without contest.