 On 24 August 1786, he was created Viscount Hamilton, in the Peerage of Great Britain, with a special remainder to his nephew John James.The Committee for Privileges, on 13 February 1787, set a precedent by resolving that this vacated his seat as a representative peer for Scotland.Abercorn died at Boroughbridge on 9 October 1789 while travelling, and was buried at Paisley Abbey.