James Stuart (1681–1743)

James Stuart (c. 1681 – 3 April 1743) was a Scottish officer in the British Army and a politician.

Stuart was the oldest son of Alexander Stuart of Torrance and his wife Isabel, daughter of Sir Patrick Nisbet, 1st Baronet, of Edinburgh. Patrick Stuart MP was his younger brother.

Stuart was educated at Glasgow University. He joined the army in 1704 as an ensign in the 1st Foot, was promoted to captain lieutenant and lieutenant colonel in the 3rd Foot Guards in 1724, and captain in 1725. His service included the War of the Spanish Succession, and the Battle of Sheriffmuir, where he was an aide-de-camp to the 2nd Duke of Argyll. After King George II took the throne, Stuart won a position in the royal court as a Gentleman Usher, which he held until his death.

He was returned by Argyll as Member of Parliament (MP) for Ayr Burghs from 1734 to 1741.

Stuart succeeded to his father's estates in 1733, and died unmarried on 3 April 1743.