James Livingston (bishop)

James Livingston was a 15th-century cleric from East Lothian in south-eastern Scotland. Born at an unknown date in the 15th century, he was a son of the Laird of Saltcoats.[1] He chose a career in the church, and became rector of the churches of Forteviot and Weme, and vicar of Innerleithen.[1] By 1474, if not earlier, he had become dean for the whole diocese of Dunkeld.[2] After the death of Thomas Lauder, Livingston was chosen as his successor as Bishop of Dunkeld.[3] Although Livingston's appointment was contested at Rome by Thomas Spens, Bishop of Aberdeen, who wanted to be translated to Dunkeld,[1] Livingston was consecrated on 30 June 1476.[3] Livingston's episcopate is relatively obscure; he spent a good deal of time in Edinburgh, where he is witness to several charters.[1] He died at Edinburgh,[1] on 28 August 1483.[4] He was buried in Inchcolm.[1]