Sir Robert Gordon, 3rd Baronet was a Scottish courtier and politician.
Background
Born 7 March 1647, was the eldest son of Sir Ludovick Gordon, 2nd Baronet of Gordonstoun in Drainie, Elginshire, by his first wife Elizabeth, daughter and coheiress of Sir Robert Farquhar of Mounie in Daviot, Aberdeenshire. His grandfather was Sir Robert Gordon, 1st Baronet.
Career
He travelled in continental Europe, learning mechanics and chemistry. Gordon represented Sutherland in the Scottish Parliament of 1672-1674, sat in the convention of 1678, in that of 1681-1682, and again in 1685-1686. He was knighted in 1673 and succeeded to the baronetcy in September 1685.
James II made him a gentleman of his household, and took an interest in his scientific inventions.
On 3 February 1686 Gordon was elected Fellow of the Royal Society. He died in 1704.
Gordon was twice married:
On 23 February 1676, to Margaret, widow of Alexander Sutherland, 1st Lord Duffus, and daughter of William Forbes, 11th Lord Forbes.
She died in April 1677, leaving a daughter.
