SCOTLAND HISTORY

Clan Bannerman:

History:

During the late 11th century or early 12th century, during the reign of either Kenneth III of Scotland or Malcolm II of Scotland, the royal forces are said to have arrived at the River Spey. A large rebel force had gathered on the other side, safely, they thought, because of the rising waters. Although the King had been advised to wait until the flood waters fell, he took to his horse and galloped across the swollen river. The King's chamberlain, Sir Alexander Carron, aware of the great danger that the king was in, took up the royal standard and rode after his lord. This act was enough to spur the Scottish army who crossed the river and routed the rebels. Carron was rewarded for his bravery by being given the hereditary title of Standard Bearer to the King. This privilege remains today and his descendants still carry the Rcottish Royal Standard at appropriate occasions. In 1367 David II of Scotland granted the lands of Clyntrees, Waterton and Weltown in the parish of Ellon in Aberdeenshire to Donald Bannerman. One requirement of this gift was that the Bannermans were to build a chapel where a weekly mass would be held to pray for the soul of the king's father Robert I of Scotland. The family was granted land west of Aberdeen in 1370 by the Abbott of Kinloss.

Clan Conflicts:

As a clan in the north-east of Scotland, the Bannermans were caught up in the feud between the Clan Gordon and the Clan Forbes. Bannerman chose to align the clan with Clan Forbes, and Bannerman is sometimes considered a sept of Forbes.

The Civil War:

In 1682 Sir Alexander Bannerman of Elsick was created Baronet of Nova Scotia for support of Charles II of England during the English Civil War and the heavy casualties he suffered because of this.

The Jacobite Uprisings:

Alexander's younger son, Patrick, went on to support the deposed Stuart line and supported the 1715 Jacobite Rising. James Francis Edward Stuart knighted Patrick, who was arrested and sentenced to death after the uprising. Patrick managed to escape and fled to France. The Bannerman family continued to support the Jacobite cause during the 1745 rebellion. Sir Alexander, son of the second baronet was with Charles Edward Stuart during the Battle of Culloden and fled first north, then ultimately to France. The fourth baronet was forced to sell Elsick against the threat of forfeiture for Jacobite sympathies.

The 19th Century:

In 1851 Elsick was acquired by Sir Alexander Bannerman, previously Governor of the Bahamas. However, the house and lands passed to his daughter and to the Dukes of Fife, Clan Carnegie who still reside at Elsick House.

Chief: Since 1989 Sir David Gordon Bannerman of Elsick, 15th Baronet.

Clan Profile:

Crest: A demi man in armour holding in his right hand a sword proper
Motto: Pro Patria ("For my Country")

Clan Barclay:

Origin of name:

The Norman family de Berchelai arrived in England with William the Conqueror. This same family built Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire in 1153. Roger de Berchelai is mentioned in the Domesday Book as is his son, John, listing them as owning twenty hamlets. In 1069 John left Gloucestershire for Scotland in the retinue of Margaret, sister of Edgar the Aetheling, later St Margaret. Margaret married King Malcolm III of Scotland who granted John de Berchelai the lands of Towie in Aberdeenshire and the title of Barclay of the ilk. Other members of the family settled in Mathers, Gartley and Pierston as well as places such as Brechin, Banff, Collairnie and Stonehaven. The clan forged strong alliances and took influential positions in national affairs. Between the years 1165 and 1189, Sir Walter de Berkeley, Gartley III, Lord Redcastle and Inverkeillor, was Great Chamberlain of Scotland under William I of Scotland.

Clan History:

14th Century:

In 1351 Alexander de Berkeley, Gartley IX, became Mathers I through marriage to Katherine Keith, sister to the Earl of Marischal. Alexander, their son, was the first to adopt the name Barclay as a family name.

16th Century:

Sir George Barclay, Gartley XIX, was Steward to the household of Mary I of Scotland .

17th Century:

During the seventeenth century another Sir George Barclay was second in command of James IV of Scotland’s Highland forces and a major branch of the family was established at Urie, near Stonehaven in Kincardineshire.

The Thirty Years War and The Civil War:

During the Thirty Years' War the First Laird of Urie, David Barclay, was a major in the service of King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden. He returned home when civil war broke out, attaining the rank of colonel in a regiment of horse, serving the king. Following his retirement in 1647 he purchased the Urie estate. He was charged with hostility to the government following the Restoration but was released after pressure from his friends. During his time in detention he was converted to the Religious Society of Friends by Laird Swinton, who was also imprisoned. The Second Laird of Urie, Robert Barclay, also a Quaker, published an ``Apologia`` in 1675 described as ``Explanation and Vindication of the Principles and Doctrines of the People called Quakers``. It was originally written in Latin but was translated into English, Dutch, German, French and Spanish. Barclay’s Apologia was widely influential, although Quakers were persecuted at the time, and he even attained favour at the royal court. He was friends with well-known Quakers, George Fox and William Penn and together created the idea of a city of brotherly love in America, which became Philadelphia. In 1682 Robert was granted 5,000 acres (20 km²) of land in East New Jersey by the proprietors of that state (then province) and bestowed upon him the title of governor, a title which he never took up.

18th Century:

Robert’s second son, David Barclay, became a merchant with not inconsiderable wealth. Through his second wife, he acquired premises in Lombard Street which became the site of Barclays Bank. The strict Quaker principles remained in the family and when David obtained an estate in Jamaica he freed the slaves and taught them trades. He entertained King George III of the United Kingdom at his London home and was excused the requirement to kneel before their monarch due to their Quaker beliefs. He was offered a knighthood, which he refused, and the chance to advance his son at court. He also refused this, explaining that he preferred ‘to bring up his sons in honest trade’. The Barclay clan always maintained trade links with Scandinavia and the Baltic states through their coastal lands. In 1621 John and Peter Barclay, merchants of Banff, wished to settle in Rostock in Livonia. Sir Patrick Barclay, Baron of Towie signed a letter of safe conduct in their favour, a letter which remains in the hands of the Barclay descendants in Riga to this day. The brothers traded in silk and became burghers of the town. Their direct descendant was Russian Field Marshall Prince Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly, Count of the Holy Roman Empire, born in 1761.

Napoleonic Wars:

He was made Russian Minister of War in 1810, rising to Commander of the Russian Armies in 1812 fighting against Napoleon Bonaparte. Instead of pursuing a campaign of direct confrontation with the French, he chose a scorched earth policy which starved the French army as it passed through the country towards Moscow. The plan was a resounding success, leading to the French retreat from Moscow in 1812 and their ultimate defeat. The Russian nobility resented the appointment of a foreign commander-in-chief, but his ability was undeniable and the Tsar named him a prince in 1815. George III of the United Kingdom named him a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath. His portrait hangs in the Military Gallery in St Petersburg.

Septs:

Bercley Barclay Berclay Berkele Barclye Berkeley Berklaw Barckley Barkla Barklay Barkley Barcula Barculay Bercula Barckly Barclaye Towy Towie

Clan Borthwick:

Origin of name:

Territorial - the name seems likely to have been assumed from Borthwick Water in Roxburghshire.

Clan History:

It is traditionally held that the first of the noble house was Andreas, who accompanied the Saxon Edgar Ætheling and his sister, Saint Margaret of Scotland, to Scotland in 1067. The family soon rose to prominence.

15th Century:

Around 1410 Sir William Borthwick obtained a charter confirming his possession of the lands around Borthwick and it was during the 15th Century that the family gained great wealth and influence, becoming Lords of the Parliament of Scotland. The First Lord Borthwick was one of the nobles sent to England as substitute hostages for the ransom of James I of Scotland in 1425. He was responsible for the constructoin of what is now one of the most impressive fortified dwellings in Scotland.

16th Century:

The Battle of Flodden Field, The Borthwicks fought on the side of James IV of Scotland at the Battle of Flodden Field in 1513 and suffered badly in the defeat. William, Lord Borthwick, succeeded his father who fell during the battle and was honoured by being given command of Stirling Castle and charged with the safety of the infant James V of Scotland. John, Lord Borthwick was an opponent of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland and a supporter of Mary of Guise. His adherence to the church, however, did not mean he was in favour with the church hierarchy and in 1547 he was excommunicated for contempt of the Ecclesiastical Court of the See of St Andrews. An officer of the court, William Langlands, was dispatched to deliver the letters of excommunication to the curate of Borthwick. Langlands was seized by Borthwick's men and thrown in the mill dam north of the castle. Later they made him eat the letters, having first soaked them in wine. He was sent back with the warning that any other letters would 'a gang the same gait'. John's son, William, was a close friend and confidant of Mary I of Scotland. Mary took refuge with her husband, James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell, but was forced to flee when a force under James Stewart, Earl of Moray approached. She is said to have escaped dressed as a Page (servant) In 1573, David Borthwick of Lochhill became the king's advocate, and may have been the first to bear the title Lord Advocate, though not the position.

The Civil War:

During the Scottish Civil War and the English Civil War the Borthwicks sided with the Royalists and were besieged following the Battle of Dunbar (1650). Oliver Cromwell offered Lord Borthwick honourable terms for surrender, which he accepted, thereby saving the castle from almost certain destruction. Lord Borthwick was allowed to leave with his family and goods. Thereafter the direct line falied and the title became dormant.

18th Century:

In 1762 Henry Borthwick of Neathorn was recognised as male heir first Lord by the House of Lords. He assumed the title but died without heirs ten years later. During the 18th Century and 19th Century various branches of the family disputed the line of succession until in 1986, Major John Borthwick of Crookston was recognised by the Lord Lyon, King of Arms as Borthwick of that Ilk, chief of the name and arms of Borthwick. He also became the 23rd Lord Borthwick in the Peerage of Scotland.

Septs:

Barthwick Bortheik Borthwyke Borthwik Borthwick Borthweke Borthuyke Borthock Borthek Boirthvik Boirthuik

Clan Boyd :

Origin of name:

There are two main theories on the origin of the name. The first asserts that name is descriptive, deriving from the Gaelic 'buidhe', meaning 'fair' or 'blonde'. The 'fair' man in question is said to have been Robert, nephew of Walter Fitzalan, 1st High Steward of Scotland. The fess-chequey (see Heraldry) supports this theory ,however, it may be argued that it is unlikely that a Norman noble would adopt a Celtic nickname for their family. The second theory asserts that the original Boyds were vassals of the Norman family, de Morville, from their lands in Largs and Irvine. In Gaelic, 'boid' means 'from Bute'.

Clan History:

The earliest occurrence of the name is found in an Inquisition formed by King David I of Scotland into the lands of the bishopric of Glasgow. The Boyds were vassals of the de Morville family, who received lands from King David.

Wars of Scottish Independence:

Robert de Boyd is listed in the Ragman Rolls offering homage to King Edward I of England, however, the family has a strong connections to the Wars of Scottish Independence. Duncan Boyd was executed for supporting independence in 1306 and Sir Robert Boyd was a commander for Robert Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. For his service and valour during battle he was awarded lands confiscated from the Baliols, including Kilmarnock.

15th Century:

The family's fortunes rose and they were raised to the peerage by King James II as 'Lord Boyd of Kilmarnock' in 1454. Lord Boyd was a trusted advisor and following the death of James II he was appointed as one of the Regents to the infant King James III; his brother, Alexander, was made military tutor to the king. Boyd effectively kidnapped the young king and obtained an Act of Parliament appointing him sole governor of the crown and Great Chamberlain. The family also successfully negotiated the king's marriage to Margaret of Denmark, daughter of King Christian I of Denmark in 1469, in the process ending the 'Norwegian annual' fee owed to Denmark for the Western Isles, and receiving Orkney and Shetland (theoretically only as a temporary measure to cover Margaret's dowry). Thus Scotland in 1470 reached its greatest ever territorial extent, when James permanently annexed the islands to the crown. The Boyds' influence of the king was considerable but they were rapidly making enemies, including the young king, as they continued to increase their wealth and titles. Lord Boyd's son, Thomas was made Earl of Arran in 1467 and married the king's sister, Mary. James III eventually grew tired of the Boyds and he summoned Lord Boyd, his son Thomas, and his brother Alexander to appear before the court and parliament to answer charges. Lord Boyd, realising that appearing in Edinburgh meant almost certain death, escaped to England. Alexander, who was sick, was brought before the court and found guilty before he, and his family, were executed in 1469. Thomas was abroad when he heard of the plight of his father and uncle. The king summoned his sister back to Scotland, on the pretence that he may pardon her husband. Mary returned but Thomas remained in Europe. Their marriage was declared void in 1473.

16th Century:

The family was restored in 1536 by Mary, Queen of Scots and Robert, a descendant of the younger son of the first Lord Boyd, was confirmed 'Lord Boyd' along with all the estates of the family. Even during her captivity in England, Lord Boyd remained close and visited many times.

The Civil War:

During the English Civil War the family supported the cause of Charles I of England and received their reward after the Restoration when Lord Boyd was created Earl of Kilmarnock in 1661.

The Jacobite Uprisings:

During the 1714 Jacobite Rising Lord Boyd supported the British government and commanded a regiment in the service of King George I. His son, Robert Boyd, however, did not share his father's loyalties and fought on the side of Charles Edward Stuart in the 1744 rebellion. He was a member of the Charles's Privy council with the rank of general. He fought, and was captured, at the Battle of Culloden. In August 1745 he was beheaded at Tower Hill and the titles of the Boyd family were forfeit. Boyd's second son, however, retained the lands and succeeded as Earl of Erroll in 1758 through his mother and assumed the name of Hay.

18th and 19th Century:

The eighteenth Earl of Erroll was created Baron of Kilmarnock in the Peerage of the United Kingdom in 1831. In 1941 the twenty-second Earl died in Kenya leaving a daughter who, although entitled to the Scottish earldom of Erroll and the chiefship of the Clan Hay, was unable to succeed the barony of Kilmarnock which, as a United Kingdom title, could only pass to male heirs. Therefore the brother of the twenty-second Earl resumed the name Boyd and succeeded to the barony.

Septs:

Boid Bod Boed Boyde Boyt Boht Boyd Bhoid Bodha

Clan Boyle :

Origin of name:

There is little doubt that the de Beauvilles (or de Boyville) came to Britain following the Norman conquest of 1066. They settled in Wales and Cumberland initially, though some of the Welsh line later travelled to Ireland and are the ancestors of the Earls of Cork and Shannon. In 1124 Hugh de Morvile was granted the lands of Cunningham and Largs from King David, part of which was subdivided and gifted to his relatives. The de Boyvilles thus gained the lands of Kelburn. The male line falied in 1196 and the family property passed to the Lords of Galloway. However, in 1234 that male line also falied and the land passed to the Crown.

Scottish Norweigen War:

The family aided Alexander III in repelling Viking invaders in 1263 at the Battle of Largs. and the lands of Kelburn were returned to the family. In 1291 Henry de Boyville was keeper of the Castles of Dumfries, Wigton and Kirkcudbright.

Wars of Scottish Independence:

Richard and Robert de Boyvil appear on the Ragman Rolls as barons submitting to Edward I of England. However the Boyles fought at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 in support of Robert I of Scotland.

15th Century & Clan Conflicts:

The Clan Boyle fought at the Battle of Sauchieburn for James III. The family lands were forfeited following the battle of Sauchieburn but were restored by James IV.

16th Century & Anglo-Scottish Wars:

During the Anglo-Scottish Wars the Boyles also fought at the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh in 1547 under the regent, the Earl of Arran. The family supported Mary, Queen of Scots and later in the 17th century they supported Charles I.

17th and 18th Centuries:

The Boyles sufferd badly for their allegiances. However, the family began its restoration in 1681 when John Boyle of Kelburn was elected as as Commissioner of Parliament. John's eldest son, David Boyle also became a Commissioner of Parliament and Privy Counsellor. In 1699 David was raised to the Peerage as Lord Boyle of Kelburn, and then in 1703 was created Earl of Glasgow. After the Union he sat as a Scottish Representative peer from 1707 to 1710. He was appointed Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1706 and in 1707 to 1710. He was also Lord Clerk Register prior to 1714. A staunch supporter of the Hanoverian cause, he raised and armed troops at his own expense when the 'Old Pretender' raised the clans against the Crown.

War in France:

John Boyle, 3rd Earl of Glasgow was a military man, wounded at the Battle of Fontenoy in 1745 and again at the Battle of Lauffeld in 1747. He, like the 1st Earl, was appointed Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and held the office for nine consecutive years.

19th Century:

David Boyle, a grandson of the second Earl, was a distinguished solicitor and was appointed Solicitor General for Scotland in 1807. He was raised to the bench, and in 1841 was appointed Lord Justice General. He became a Privy Counsellor in 1820 retiring in 1852 after forty-one years of legal service. George Boyle, 4th Earl, also took up military service, rising to colonel and Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire in 1810. His eldest son, John, was a naval officer captured by the French off Gibraltar in 1807. He died, unmarried, in 1818. His brother, James, succeeded as the fifth Earl in 1843. He had also served in the Royal Navy and was also made Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire. He died, married but without issue. James was succeeded by his half brother, George Frederick Boyle, which proved to be a disater for the family. George Boyle had been eductaed at Oxford and was passionately interested in art and architecture. He became obsessed by the Pre-Raphalite notions of form and beauty and began a monumental building program, renovating Kelburn and funding churches across Scotland. In 1888 he had bankrupted the estate and the assets were sold, Kelburn was only saved by the purse of his cousin, David, later to become the 7th Earl. David Boyle, succeeded as Earl in 1890 and was Governor of New Zealand from 1892 to 1897. In 1897 he was created Baron Fairlie and was raised to the Peerage of the United Kingdom (the Earldom of Glasgow and all other titles being in the Peerage of Scotland. This was done to ensure him a seat on the House of Lords as, at that time, only a small number of Scottish peers could sit, known as Representative peers.

Clan Brodie :

Origin of name:

The clan name is thought to either originate from the Gaelic word 'brothaig', which means ditch, or from the Norman name of De Brothie

Battles and History:

Little is known of the clan's history prior to 1645, when Lord Lewis Gordon from Clan Gordon, 3rd Marquess of Huntly attacked and burnt Brodie Castle, so destroying documentation of the clan's history. It is known that King Malcolm IV granted the land of Moray to the Brodies in the 12th century and that King Robert I of Scotland granted a charter to Michael, Thane of Brodie a short time before the Battle of Bannockburn. The Clan Brodie are believed to have assisted the Clan MacKenzie in their defeat of Clan MacDonald of Gillespick at the Battle of Blar na Pairc in 1466. The Clan Brodie are also believed to have possably assisted the Clan Munro and Clan MacKenzie when they defeated of the rebel Alexander MacDonald of Lochalsh in 1497. In 1550 Chief Alexander Brodie and 100 others were denounced as rebels for attacking the Clan Cumming of Altyre. During the Civil Wars of the 17th century Alexander Brodie of Brodie was responsible for the destruction of Elgin Cathedral in 1640, and ten years later was one of the Commissioners sent to persuade Charles II to sign the National Covenant and resume the Scottish Crown. In 1645 Brodie Castle was burnt down by Lewis Gordon 3rd Earl of Huntly and chief of Clan Gordon. This was part of the Covenanting conflict during the Civil War A rare pontifical discovered in Brodie Castle in 1970 and now housed in the British Museum, indicates the family's existence from at least 1000 A.D.

Cadet Families:

Cadet families include the Brodies of Lethen in Nairn, Idvies in Angus, and Eastbourne in Sussex. Sir Benjamin Brodie, Surgeon to the Royal Family, was made a Baronet in 1834.

Deacon William Brodie:

Deacon William Brodie of Edinburgh, noted as a member of the clan was a less savoury character who at the end of the 18th century pursued a double-life as a worthy councillor by day and a burglar by night. The lifestyle of this gentleman, later hanged for his nocturnal activities, inspired Robert Louis Stevenson to write The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

Chief: Alexander Tristan Duff Brodie of Brodie

Motto: Unite

Crest: A right hand holding a bunch of arrows all Proper.

Septs: Brodie Brody Brodey Bryde Brydie

Clan Broun :

Origin of name:

As well as being Scottish Broun or Brown is also common name in Old English charters, as Brun, from an adjective meaning brown or dark red. It also occurs in Old High German as Brunn and is the source of the French surname le Brun.

Brouns in Scotland:

A family of this name were owners of Cumberland lands shortly after the Norman conquests. In all cases it seems to be a name describing the appearance of the original bearer. The Brouns of Colstoun, probably the heads of the family but not officially recognised as such by Lyon Court, claim descent from the Royal House of France. They bear on their shield the three fleur-de-lys of the French Monarchy. The Brouns of Colstoun also claim descent from George Broun who in 1543 married Jean Hay second daughter of Lord Yester, ancestor of the Marquess of Tweeddale. The dowry consisted of the "Colstoun Pear" which was said to have been invested with wondrous powers by the 13th Century wizard and necromancer Hugo de Gifford of Yester. This pear was meant to ensure unfailing prosperity on the family which possessd it. The pear was said to have been as fresh as the day it was picked until in the 17th Century a pregnant descendant, longing for the fruit which was out of season, took a bite of it, whereupon it became as hard as rock. Patrick Broun of Colstoun was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1686, the title to be passed on to his male heirs. On his death he left only a daughter who inherited his possessions while the title went to the Thorndyke branch of the family. Members of a younger branch of Broun of Colstoun settled in Elsinore, Denmark where they became prominent merchants; the name is still found there today.

Clan Profile:

Arms: Gules, a chevron between three fleur de lis Or

Crest: A lion rampant, holding in the dexter paw a fleur de lis

Tartans: Clan Broun of Coulston, Clan Brown of Castle Dean, Clan Brown Military Watch, Clan *Brown Dress Watch

Mottos: Floreat magestas (Let majesty flourish)

Clan Bruce :

History:

The name Bruce comes from the French 'de Brus' or 'de Bruis', what is now Brix between Cherbourg and Valognes in Normandy. The first Robert de Brus in Great Britain accompanied William the Conqueror in 1066 and died, it is believed, around 1094. However, it was his son, also Robert de Brus (known as Robert le Meschin, or 'the Cadet') that first connected the family with Scotland. Now rich with lands in Dorset and Surrey, Robert de Brus marched north as a companion-in-arms to David I of Scotland in his campaign to reclaim his crown in 1124. De Brus was rewarded with the lands of Annandale. In 1138 King David became involved in the civil war in the Kingdom of England between Stephen of Blois and Empress Matilda. De Brus could not support his king and resigned his holdings in Annandale to his second son, Robert, joining the English forces in preparation for the Scottish advance. The Scottish forces were defeated at the Battle of the Standard and de Brus took his own son, now laird of Annandale, prisoner. He was ultimately freed and returned to Scotland, abandoning his father's arms of a red lion on a silver field, assuming the red saltire (the current arms contain both elements). William the Lion confirmed the grant of Annadale made by David.

Foundation of the Royal Line :

The foundation for the Bruce royal claim came in 1219 when Robert Bruce, 4th Lord of Annandale married Isobel of Huntingdon, daughter of David of Scotland, 8th Earl of Huntingdon and niece of William the Lion. The union brought both great wealth, with the addition of lands in both England and Scotland, and the royal connection that the Bruces sought. Their son, Robert Bruce, 5th Lord of Annandale, known as 'the competitor' was sometime Tanist to the throne. On the death of Alexander III of Scotland both Bruce and John Balliol claimed succession. Margaret, Alexander's infant graddaughter was named as heir, however, she died in 1290 travelling to Scotland to claim her throne. Soon after the death of young queen Margaret, fearing civil war between the Bruce and Balliol families and their supporters, the Guardians of Scotland asked the kingdom's southern neighbor, Edward I of England to arbitrate among the claimants in order to avoid civil war. Edward I saw this as the opportunity he had long been waiting for to conquer Scotland as he had conquered Wales and rule over all the British Isles. In 1292 Edward chose Balliol who swore allegiance to the English monarch. It was not long, however, before Balliol rebelled against Edward, eventually leading to John's defeat and forced abdication after the Battle of Dunbar in 1296.

Ascension to the Throne:

With the abdication of John Balliol, Scotland was effectively without a monarch. Robert the Bruce swore allegiance to Edward at Berwick-upon-Tweed but breached this oath when he joined the Scottish revolt the following year. In the summer of 1297 he again swore allegiance to Edward in what is known as the capitulation of Irvine. Bruce appears to have sided with the Scots during the Battle of Stirling Bridge but when Edward returned, victorious, to England after the Battle of Falkirk, Bruce's lands of Annandale and Carrick were exempted from the lordships and lands which Edward assigned to his followers. Bruce, it seems, was seen as a man whose allegaince might still be won. Bruce and John Comyn (a rival for the throne) succeeded William Wallace as Guardians of Scotland, but their rivalry threatened the stability of the country. A meeting was arranged at Greyfriars Church in Dumfries, neutral ground. Bruce stabbed Comyn through the heart, and as a result was excommunicated by Pope Clement V. Robert the Bruce was crowned at Scone, Perthshire in 1306. See:Wars of Scottish Independence Robert's son, David II of Scotland became king on his father's death in 1329. In 1346 under the terms of the Auld Alliance David marched south into England in the interests of France, but was defeated and imprisoned Battle of Neville's Cross on October 17 of that year, and remained in England for eleven years. He died in Edinburgh Castle in 1371 without issue. The line of succession passing to the House of Stewart.

After Robert the Bruce:

Sir Edward Bruce was made commendator of Kinloss Abbey and appointed a judge in 1597. He was appointed a Lord of Parliament with the title of Lord Kinloss in 1602. He accompanied James VI to claim his English throne in 1603 and was subsequently appointed to English judicial office as Master of the Rolls. In 1608 he was granted a barony as Lord Bruce of Kinloss. His younger son, Thomas, 3rd Lord Kinloss, was created first Earl of Elgin in 1633. When the fourth Earl died without issue, the title passed to the descendants of Sir George Bruce of Carnock, who already held the title Earl of Kincardine and in 1747 the Earldoms were united. Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin was a diplomat and ambassador to the Ottoman Empire between 1799 and 1803. He is famous, or infamous, for the removing marble sculptures from the Parthenon in Athens, now commonly referred to as the Elgin Marbles. His son, Thomas was Governor General of the Province of Canada and Viceroy of India. The current chief, Andrew Bruce, 11th Earl of Elgin, is prominent in Scottish affairs and is convener of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs

Septs:

Airth Bruwes Bruss Bruc Bruys Brues Bruce Bruice Bruis Bruze Broce Brois Broiss Brose Broise Brouss Brus Bruse Carlysle Carruthers Crosbie Randolph Stenhouse

Clan Buchan :

Origins of the Clan:

The Clan names derives from the district of Buchan. This in turn may have taken its name from ‘bwch’, a word meaning cow in the Brythonic language. The first recorded Buchan was Ricardus de Buchan, clerk of the bishopric of Aberdeen around 1207 and in 1281 William de Buchan is recorded as holding land. Sir Thomas of Boghan of Edinburgh is documented in the Ragman Rolls as rendering homage to Edward I of England in 1296. His seal depicted an eight-rayed figure from which the current crest may have derived.

15th Century:

It is not certain when the lands of Auchmacoy were gained, but Andrew Buchan of Auchmacwy (now generally considered the first chief of the clan0 was one of the assize appointed to settle the lands of St Peter’s Hospital in 1446.

16th Century:

The lands of Auchmacoy and Oykthorn were granted by charter to Andrew’s eldest son, also Andrew, by James IV of Scotland in 1503 but it seems the land may have been in the family’s hands since the beginning of the 14th century. In 1598 the lands were erected into a Barony.

17th Century & Civil War:

Throughout the 17th century the Barons of Auchmacoy supported the House of Stewart. Thomas, 3rd son of the 8th chief, James Buchan, was a professional soldier who fought in both France and Holland. In 1686 he was commissioned as colonel in the Earl of Mar’s regiment by James VII. Ever loyal to his king he joined John Graham of Claverhouse, ‘Bonnie Dundee’ when the king was deposed in favour of William III of Orange. Following Dundee’s death at the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689, Thomas Buchan was appointed commander-in-chief of the Jacobite forces in Scotland. In 1690 General Buchan was taken by surprise at the Battle of Cromdale and the rebellion was effectively ended. Buchan was allowed to go into exile on France.

18th Century & Jacobite Uprisings:

However General Buchan fought again at the Battle of Sheriffmuir in 1715. He died in 1721, still in communication with the exiled royals. Ironically, another line, Buchan of Cairnbulg were descendants of John, younger brother to General Thomas Buchan who served in the army of William of Orange against James II. The Jacobite/Williamite schism was resolved when Thomas Buchan, 12th of Auchmacoy, married Nicola, heiress of Buchan of Cairnbulg.

The Clan Today:

James Buchan, fourteenth of Auchmacoy, was recognised as chief of the name in April 1830 by Lord Lyon, King of Arms. Upon his death the title passed to Louisa, his daughter, who died without issue in 1910. The tittle then passed to her cousin, Sir Norman MacLeod Sinclair, 18th Earl of Caithness. In 1913 he petitioned the Lord Lyon, taking the surname and arms of Buchan of Auchmacoy. His daughter, Lady Olivia Buchan, was the mother of the present Chief. Perhaps the most famous Buchan was John Buchan, 1st Baron Tweedsmuir, author of The Thirty-Nine Steps and Governor General of Canada. Major General Ross Stuart Buchan, AO, was an Australian Soldier . In his career he served as a Major on a tour in Vietnam and went on to become the General Officer Commanding Headquarters Training Command. During his Vietnam tour, a close friend MAJ Peter Badcoe was killed and subsequently posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. The Sydney morning Herald has a decent article online regarding his career.

Septs:

Basken Baskin Bede Bonnieville Boyne Buck Buckie Bucky Cawsell Chapp Chrystal Clapperton Coscrach Costie Costy Cranach Crannach Cruddon Cruden Crudon Crystal Crystall Fasken Faskin Fitchie Fitchy Gammerie Gammery Hardin Hardman Hardnan Kermack Leisk Mac Crystal Meason Merson Mondie Mondy Mundie Mundy Nible Niblo Ogston Ogstone Ogstoun Prince Ratcliff Ratliff Rattcliff Rattliff Runcie Runcy Shakle Tarves Tarvis Teunion Teunon Tewnion Tinnon Tucks Wadsworth Wadsworther West Whammond Whyman Whymon Willgook

Clan Buchanan :

Origins of the Clan:

The name Buchanan has been grounded in the lands surrounding the shores of Loch Lomond since 1225 when a grant by the Earl of Lennox to Sir Absalon of Buchanan, he is referred to as 'clericus meus' which means he was a clergy man. Furthermore, Clan Buchanan can trace its origin back to Anselan O Kyan who was a son of the King of Ulster who landed in Argyll in 1016. For his services against the Danes he recieved the lands of Buchanan which is to the east of Loch Lomond.

15th Century:

The Sir Alexander Buchanan, Chief of Clan Buchanan led men of the clan in support of the French against the English at the Battle of Baugé in 1421. It is said that Alexander Buchanan came face to face with the Duke of Clarence and escaping his thrust he pierced the Duke through the left eye, killing him. Sir Alexander Buchanan however was later killed leading the clan against the English at the Battle of Verneuil in 1424 In the 15th century a feud broke out between the Clan Buchanan and the Clan MacLaren resulting in a full scale battle. At first the Buchanans were faring better and drove the MacLarens back. Legend has it that the Chief of MacLarens saw one of his sons cut down and being suddenly seized with battle maddness turned and shouted the MacLaran battle cry "Craig Turic" and whirling his Claymore rushed furiously at the enemy. His clansmen followed him and the Buchanans were cut down like corn. Only two escaped by swimming the River Balvaig but even they were followed. One was cut down at Gartnafuaran and the second was cut down at a place since known by the circumstance as Sron Laine.

16th Century:

During the Anglo-Scottish Wars the Clan Buchanan fought against the English at the Battle of Flodden Field in 1513 where the chief's elder son Patrick was killed. However Patrick had already married a daughter of the Earl of Argyll and had two sons and daughters. During the Anglo-Scottish Wars the Clan Buchanan fought against the English at the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh in 1547 where their chief was killed. Clan chiefs from Clan Colquhoun, Clan Hunter, Clan MacFarlane and Clan Farquharson also died. A good clan chief was expected to lead by example and this meant being first into battle.

17th Century & Civil War:

During the Civil Wars Clan Buchanan supported the Royalist cause of King Charles. Sir George Buchanan commanded the Stirlingshire Regiment and led the clan at the the Battle of Dunbar (1650) on the side of the Scottish Covenanters. He later led the clan at the Battle of Inverkeithing but here he was captured. The Buchanans fought on the side of the Covenanters at the Battle of Bothwell Brig in 1679.

18th Century & Jacobite Uprisings:

The Clan Buchanan took no part in the Jacobite Uprisings of 1715 to 1716 or the 1745 to 1746 uprising. This was probably due to a break in the line of the chieftainship of the clan.

Septs:

Colman Cormack Cousland Dewar Dove Dow Gibb Gibbon Gibson Gilbert Gilbertson Harper Harperson Leavy Lennie Lenny MacAldonich MacAlman MacAslan MacAslin MacAuselan MacAuslan MacAusland MacAuslane MacAlman MacAlmont MacAmmond MacAsland MacChruiter MacColman MacCormack MacCubbin MacCubbing MacCubin MacGeorge MacGibbon MacGreuisich MacGubbin MacInally MacIndeor MacIndoe MacKinlay MacKinley MacMaster MacMaurice MacMurchie MacMurchy MacNeur MacNuir MacNuyer MacQuattie MacWattie MacWhirter Masters Masterson Morrice Morris Morrison Murchie Murchison Richardson Risk Rusk Ruskin Spittal Spittel Walter Walters Wason Waters Watson Watt Watters Weir Yuill Yool Yule Zuill

Clan Burnett :

Origins of the Clan:

There is still debate over the origin of the name Burnett. The Saxon Burford family held lands in Bedfordshire prior to 1066. This name derives from the Saxon 'beornheard' meaning 'bear hand' often translated as 'brave warrior'. Alternatively, it has been suggested that the name derives from Burnet, a French name recorded in France prior to William the Conqueror invading England.

Burnetts in Scotland:

The de Bernard family first came to Scotland, settling in Roxburghshire, when David I of Scotland returned from England.

Wars of Scottish Independence:

During the Wars of Scottish Independence Alexander Burnett was a supporter of Robert the Bruce, and following the Battle of Bannockburn was rewarded with a grant of land in the Forest of Drum. Burnett was presented with an ivory horn in 1323 as a symbol of the barony and title of Forester of the Forest of Drum. The horn remains on display at Crathes Castle.

15th Century:

Throughout the 15th century the family gained a reputation as a benefactor of the church by granting lands and other gifts. However, the relationship between the family and church was not free from dispute. Burnett and the Laird of Drum disputed a tract of land, so Burnett asked a local priest, Father Ambrose, to act as mediary. When Ambrose refused to do so, Burnett barred the monks from fishing in the local loch. When the monks cursed him for his deed, he decided to drain the loch. Burnett, however, was forced to abandon the project when his son was killed with clearing a large rock and Burnett ultimately reconciled with the church. Berth de Bernard stayed at Crathes Castle while her father was fighting in France and fell in love with one of her cousins. Unfortunately, the young Burnett was betrothed to a daughter of the Hamiltons, a powerful Scottish family. Lady Agnes Burnett would not allow the marriage to be placed in jeopardy so had James V of Scotland send her son to England. Bertha died soon after. It was suspected that Lady Agnes poisoned Bertha to prevent her from interfering with the family's plans. Bertha's father returned to hear of his daughter's death. He cursed the family and until the 17th century a 'Green Lady' haunted Crathes, heralding death and destruction for the family whenever she appeared.

Seventeenth century:

In the early 17th century the Burnetts of Leys came into control of Muchalls Castle, about 30 kilometers southeast of Crathes. In 1609 Alexander Burnett began the reconstruction of the upper stories of Muchalls, a work completed after his death by his son Thomas. Sir Thomas Burnett, a Baronet of Nova Scotia, although a Covenanter, was related to James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose and accompanied him as he rode to Aberdeen in 1639. Thomas's son, the third Baronet, was Commissioner for Kincardineshire in the last Scottish Parliament, vehemently opposing the Act of Union. When Sir Robert Burnett of Leys died without an heir, the Baronetcy passed to Thomas Burnett of Criggie.

18th Century:

James Burnett Lord Monboddo was born in 1714 and was an eminent lawyer, judge and philosopher. He studied law at the University of Edinburgh and in the Netherlands before admission to the Faculty of Advocates in 1737. He became a sheriff in 1764 and a supreme court judge in 1767 with the title 'Lord Monboddo'. He was ridiculed for his belief that man was related to apes and originally had tails, however, he also professed belief in mermaids and satyrs. Robert Burns was frequently a guest at Moboddo's Edinburgh house.

American Revolutionary War:

The family has a great military tradition. The 7th Baronet served in the Royal Scots Fusiliers in the American Revolutionary War, being taken prisoner following the Battle of Saratoga in 1777.

20th Century:

Major-General Sir James Burnett of Leys, the 13th Baronet commanded a brigade during the First World War and was a colonel of the Gordon Highlanders. Mentioned in dispatches 11 times he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order twice, appointed as a companion of the Order of the Bath and the Légion d'honneur by France. In 1952 he gifted Crathes Castle and a portion of the estate to the people of Scotland.

Septs:

Barnet Bernat Burnap Burnard Burnet Burnaitt Burnet Burnett Burnate Blackhall