Robert Sinclair

Robert Sinclair († 1398) was a late 14th century bishop of Orkney and bishop of Dunkeld. Before becoming a bishop, he was dean of the bishopric of Moray and had obtained a Bachelor's degree in Law. By November 28, 1383 he is being spoken of in the documents of Avignon Pope Clement VII as bishop-elect of Orkney, and was probably fully appointed by January 27, 1384. On February 1, 1391 he was translated to the more prestigious bishopric of Dunkeld. Within a few years of his translation to Dunkeld, Robert found himself involved in a serious dispute with William Blackburn, the abbot of Cambuskenneth. The details of this dispute are not entirely known, but on March 25, 1393 he was excommunicated by a papal judge-delegated. Intervention by King Robert III probably gained him absolution within the following few year or so. On January 18, 1395 he visited Cambuskenneth Abbey with a retinue of 56 horses, and was entertained there, an event which certainly points to some kind of reconciliation. Robert was dead by November 1398.

[edit] Reference

Dowden, John, The Bishops of Scotland, ed. J. Maitland Thomson, (Glasgow, 1912)

Religious Posts
Preceded by William	Bishop of Orkney Avignon candidate Opposed by John of Pentlar 1382/4–1391	Succeeded by Alexander Vaus (unconsecrated) William Stephan
Preceded by John de Peblys	Bishop of Dunkeld 1391–1398	Succeeded by Robert de Cardeny