Sandy Arbuthnot

Ludovic "Sandy" Gustavus Arbuthnot, later Lord Clanroyden is a fictional heroic character who appears in various books by John Buchan in the Richard Hannay series. These books include "Greenmantle", "The Three Hostages", "The Courts of the Morning", and "The Island of Sheep". He also appears in "The League of Heroes" by Xavier Mauméjean. His particular expertise is in adopting disguises which completely take in Hannay, the "friend [he] knows best in the world".

From the data within Buchan's novels, it is possible to deduce that Arbuthnot was born 1882, as the second son of Edward ("Billy") Cospatrick Arbuthnot, 15th Baron Clanroyden (educated Harrow). Educated Eton and New College, Oxford. Captain in the Tweeddale Yeomanry, later promoted to Colonel. Served as honorary attaché at various embassies. Worked for the Reform Club 1899. Married Barbara. Settles at an idyllic estate called Laverlaw, near Ettrick in the Borders.

Arbuthnot was based on Hon. Colonel Sir Aubrey Herbert (1880-1923; twice offered the throne of Albania, 2nd son of 4th Earl of Carnarvon), but later also reflected Lawrence of Arabia.

References

*"Greenmantle"
*"The Three Hostages"
*"The Courts of the Morning"
*"The Island of Sheep"