Frances
You are a star! many thanks. this is much later than I expected as his son James b1752 in Scotland was supposedly brought up by his uncle when his father died early. Father James was a farmer near Elgin where I live so I suppose he would not have a great position. I have been researching the 71st Fraser Highland Regt. 1775-1784 for 22 yeras and am still trying to sort out officers of similar names one being John Grant son of James the customs guy, and his birth in Scotland not apparent.
My offer still stands. email me if you like, but I think the forum may benefit from this discusion
thanks
Ed