Stair, John Dalrymple, 2nd Earl of Stair (1673–1747)

Scottish soldier and diplomat. In 1701 joined a Scottish foot regiment and served in the duke of Marlborough's campaigns. He succeeded to the earldom in 1707, and was made commander-in-chief of the forces of Scotland. Stair served with distinction at Oudenarde, Malplaquet, Ramillies, and Dettingen. He was educated at the universities of Leyden and Edinburgh.