ARCHIBALD DOUGLAS 8th earl, and earl of Morton, was the son of David, 7th earl. He succeeded to the title and estates in 1558. In 1573 he was made a privy councillor and sheriff of Berwick, in 1574 lieutenant-general of Scotland, in warden of the west marches and steward of Fife, and hi 1578 lieutenant-general of the realm. For his support of his uncle, the 4th earl of Morton, he was declared guilty of high treason on June 2 1581. He appealed to the English Government for an invasion of Scotland to rescue Morton, and on the latter's execution in June went to London, where he was welcomed by Elizabeth. After the raid of Ruthven in 1582 Angus was recon ciled to James, but soon afterwards was again banished from the court. In 1584 he joined the rebellion of Mar and Glamis, but the movement failed. The rebels fled to Newcastle, which became a centre of Presbyterianism and of projects against the Scottish Government, encouraged by Elizabeth. In October they invaded Scotland and secured from James the restoration of their estates and the control of the Government. In 1586 Angus was appointed warden of the marches and lieutenant-general on the border, but he was unable to overcome the king's hostility to the establishment of Presbyterian government. He died on Aug. 4 1588.
He was succeeded in the earldom by his cousin WILLIAM, who was succeeded by his son William. On a visit to France he was converted to Roman Catholicism, and on his return to Scotland became involved in various conspiracies against the Government, being twice imprisoned. In 1593 he joined the rebellion of the earls of Huntly and Erroll. The revolt failed, and in 1597 all three renounced their religion, declared themselves Presbyterians, and were restored to the lands and honours they had forfeited. Angus recanted in I 6o8 and withdrew to France ; he died in Paris on March 3 1611. He was succeeded by his son William (1589 166o), 11 th earl, afterwards 1st marquess of Douglas. The title is now held by the dukes of Hamilton.