Constituency : Aberdeen North 1896-1918
Duncan took over at Aberdeen North after William Hunter stepped down through ill-health.He beat an ILP candidate standing because Duncan's family firm had bad relations with the trades unions.
Duncan was educated at Trinity College, Glenalmond and Clifton College. He joined the army and was aide-de-camp to General Graham in Egypt and the Governor of Ceylon. He rose to the rank of captain. He stood unsuccessfully for West Renfrewshire in 1895.
Duncan organised the relief of wounded soldiers during the Greco-Turkish War of 1897. He served in the Boer War and then again in World War One as a lieutenant-colonel and then major at Salonica. He made many contributions on army matters.
In 1900 Duncan was foolishly attacked by the Unionists as pro-Boer despite the fact he was currently fighting them and he was returned with an increased majority over a Liberal Unionist opponent. In 1906 and January 1910 he faced socialist candidates as well but was comfortably returned.
Duncan was an ardent supporter of home rule for Sotland.
Duncan opposed female suffrage and refused to commit himself to a minimum wage for farm workers which harmed his chances with the new electorate.
Duncan received the coupon in 1918 but was unwilling to endorse Lloyd George's government. He was narrowly defeated by the Labour candidate.
He died in 1931 aged 72.
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