Buccleuch is the Dukedom held by the Scott family, the name coming from a location on their Selkirkshire estates. One legend suggests the name originates from an incident when King Kenneth III (c. 966 - 1005) was hunting in a deep ravine or 'cleuch' and a young buck became cornered and charged towards the King. John Scott of Galloway seized the buck by the antlers and wrestled it to the ground, saving the King's life. From that day, the Scotts were referred to as 'Buck Cleuch' and were rewarded for their bravery, with the head of the family certainly holding a knighthood by 1300 and the lands of Buccleuch having come into their possession.
The modern Barony of Buccleuch was created in 1606, becoming an Earldom in 1619, and finally the Dukes of Buccleuch in 1663. Today, the Dukes of Buccleuch have a number of homes and estates at Dalkeith, Drumlanrig (in Dumfries and Galloway), Bowhill and Branxholme (in the Scottish Borders), together with Montagu House (London) and Broughton House (Northamptonshire), both acquired when the Henry, 3rd Duke (1746 - 1819), married the daughter of the 1st Duke of Montagu.
The heir to the Dukedom is the Earl of Dalkeith.
As a surname it is not uncommon in Scotland and has moved with migrants around the English-speaking world.
