The only son of William Belches, Esq., (by his wife and cousin Emilia, only surviving child of John Belches, of Invermay, by his wife Mary Stuart (died 1807), 2nd daughter of Sir George Wishart, 1st Baronet, so created 17 June 1706, with remainder to the heirs of his body). Became Baronet on the death of his great-uncle, Sir William Stuart, 2nd Baronet 1777. Assumed that surname in lieu of Wishart Belches (?.
His surname was Wishart-Belches until October 1797. He was Member of Parliament for Kincardineshire between 1797–1806 and 1802-1806 as Sir John Stuart. Belches-Wishart), October 1797, Member of Parliament as above, a baron of the Exchequer in Scotland 1807, having married 9 November 1775, Lady Jane Leslie, eldest daughter of David Melville, 6th Earl of Leven.
She died 28 October 1829, leaving a daughter, Williamina Stuart (died 5 December 1810.
Married Sir William Forbes, 7th Baronet). On his death the Wishart baronetcy of Clifton Hall, Edinburgh became dormant.
1st United Kingdom Parliament. 2nd United Kingdom Parliament. 18th Parliament of Great Britain.
