SCOTLAND HISTORY

Clan Scott:

Origins of the Clan:

One of the most powerful of the Border families, the name was derived from the Scots who invaded Dalriada (Argyll) from Ireland and the surname is found in all parts of Scotland. The first record of the name Scott is when Uchtred filius Scot witnessed the foundation charter of Selkirk in 1120. "Uchtred" is in fact a good English name of the time and he probably came from south of the border. Henricus le Scotte witnessed a charter by David Earl of Strathearn around 1195. Michael Scott "the wizard" originated in the Tweed Valley but lived in Fife where he gained his reputation for magic. In the last quarter of the 13th century the Scotts appear in Fife when Michael Lescot agreed to serve King Edward I of England overseas. (In the 16th century author Sir John Scott would build Scotstarvit Tower near Cupar in Fife which is now a prominent landmark). In the Ragman Roll (all nobles and landed gentry were required to sign by Edward I in 1296) there are six Scott lairds. One of these, Sir Richard le Scot of Murthoxton (now Murdostoun) in Lanarkshire may have acquired those lands by marriage - he also had estates in Selkirkshire. It is his line which became established and spread out between Ettrickdale and Liddesdale.

Wars of Scottish Independence:

During the Wars of Scottish Independence Sir Michael Scott, 2nd Laird of Buccleuch was a staunch supporter of Robert the Bruce and distinguished himself at the Battle of Halidon Hill in 1333.

15th Century:

The Lanarkshire estate was exchanged for Branxholm in Selkirkshire as the family became more and more established in the Borders. In the 15th century, as was common in the Borders, the Scotts quarrel led frequently with their neighbours, particularly the Clan Kerr. The clans would gather for battle at a place called Bellendean. The feud caused the deaths of both chiefs and was only resolved by marriage during the chieftainship of the 10th Laird. The 13th Baron was created Lord Scott of Buccleuch by James VI and in 1619 Lord Scott was created an Earl. The male line failed and Anne, Countess of Buccleuch married the illegitimate son of King Charles II, the Duke of Monmouth. Charles created the couple Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch but the Duke supported the protestant cause and at one stage led an unsuccessful rebellion against King Charles.

16th Century:

During the 16th Century the Clan Kerr and the Clan Scott continued to raid eachothers lands. The Chief Kerr of Cessford, who had worked as warden for peace and co-operation with England, was killed by a follower of Clan Scott of Buccleuch in the attempt to rescue King James V of Scotland from the Clan Douglas. In 1552 the Chief of Clan Scott of Buccleuch was killed by the Clan Kerr of Cessford in Edinburgh. Fighting between the clans continued until a peace agreement was signed in 1602. The third Duke of Buccleuch married the heiress of the Duke of Queensberry (Clan Douglas) and became one of the richest men in Britain.

19th Century:

In the 19th century, Sir Walter Scott (from a junior branch, the Scotts of Harden) changed Scotland's image forever. The Duke of Buccleuch today is one of the largest landowners in Scotland and the art collections at the family's great houses of Drumlanrig, Bowhill and Boughton are internationally famous.

Septs of Clan Scott:

Buccleuch, Geddes, Laidlaw, Langlangs

Clan Sempill:

Origin of name:

The name Sempill has been known in Renfrewshire since the 12th century however its origins are obscure. On suggestion is that Sempill is a corruption of the St Pauls however this seems unlikely. It is tradition that the name originates from someone who is humble or simple. Robert de Semple witnessed a charter to Paisley Abbey in around 1246. Later as the chamberlain of Renfrew he witnessed a charter of the Earl of Lennox.

14th Century & Robert the Bruce:

During the 14th century Clan Sempill supported King Robert the Bruce. Robert de Semple's two sons were rewarded by the King for their services. The elder son called Robert received all of the lands around Largs in Ayrshire which had been confiscated off the Clan Balliol. The younger son called Thomas received a grant of half the lands of Longniddry.

15th Century:

Sir Thomas Sempill fell leading the clan in support of King James III of Scotland at the Battle of Sauchieburn in June 1488. His only son called John Sempill inherrited all of the estates. John was made Lord Sempill during the reign of

16th Century and the Anglo-Scottish Wars:

During the Anglo-Scottish Wars the Clan Sempill led by the now Lord John Sempill fought at the Battle of Flodden Field in 1513 where the chief was killed. He was scucceded by his son William Sempill. William's son called Robert was made constable of the King's Castle Douglas. William also led Clan Sempill at the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh in 1547 where he was captured by the English. The clan Sempill were initially loyal towards Mary Queen of Scots, however later they supported King James IV of Scotland and fought against Mary at the Battle of Carberry Hill. The Clan Sempill also fought in the Regent Moray's army at the Battle of Langside in 1568.

Civil War:

During the Civil War the Clan Sempill supported the Royalist cause. However they would later take up the Protestant faith.

Jacobite Uprisings:

During the Jacobite Uprisings of 1745-1746 the Clan Sempill supported the British government. The Chief led his men against the Jacobites at the Battle of Culloden in 1746.

Clan Seton:

Origin of name:

The name Seton is believed to be derived from the village of Sai in Normandy although other explainations have been suggested, such as from Tranent meaning "a sea town" which happens to have been in an area owned by the Setons.

History:

The first known Seton was Alexander Seton who witnessed a charter of David I of Scotland in about 1150.

Wars of Scottish Independence:

His descendant also called Alexander Seton joined Sir Gilbert Hay and Sir Neil Campbell in defending the rights of King Robert I of Scotland. He was also later one of King Robert's signatories at the Declaration of Arbroath. His son, Sir Christoper Seton married King Robert the Bruce's sister. Christoper Seton is renowned for saving King Robert's life when he was unhorsed at the Battle of Methven in 1306. However Christoper was later captured by the English and hanged in London.

Family History (continued):

Unfortunately the male blood line failed with an heiress, Margaret Seton who married Alan Winton after she was abducted by him. Their son William took the name Seton and became Lord Seton of Tranent. Their second son, Alexander Seton married Elizabeth the heiress of Sir Adam Gordon. Their son Alexander Gordon became the 1st Earl of Huntly.

Mary Queen of Scots:

Of the main family, George, 5th Lord Seton supported Queen Mary of Lorraine against the Lords of the Congregation and was Master of the Household after Mary Queen of Scots returned to Scotland. He was responsible for the Palace of Seton which became a frequent home to Mary Queen of Scots, it was there she and Bothwell went after Darnley's murder and here their marriage contract was signed. His sister Mary Seton was one of the Queen's Marys and he was one of those who waited for Mary on the banks of Loch Leven when she escaped in 1568.

Clan Conflicts:

The Clan Seton fought in support of the Clan Ogilvy who were also supported by men from the Clan Oliphant, Clan Gordon and men from the Clan Forbes of Pitsligo at the Battle of Arbroath on the 24th January 1445. Their enemey was the Master of Crawford and his Clan Lindsay who advanced with over one thousand men. The Earl of Crawford himself was the father of the Master of Crawford. The Earl rode inbetween the two armies in an attempt to call a truce. However, an illadvised Ogilvie, thinking that this was the start of the Lindsay's attack, threw his spear at the Earl, hitting him in the mouth and killing him instantly. So the battle began which went in the Clan Lindsay's favour. Here fell Ogilvie of Inverquharty, Forbes of Pitsligo, Brucklay of Gartley, Gordon of Borrowfield, and Oliphant of Aberdalgie, along with 500 or so Ogilvie's. However, the Lindsays lost a disproportionate amount of men, most notably the Earl himself. In 1571 the Clan Seton joined forces with the Clan Gordon in their feud against the Clan Forbes. The Clan Leslie and Clan Irvine also joined the Gordons and the Clan Keith, Clan Fraser and Clan Crichton joined forces with the Clan Forbes. The feud had carried on for centuries and culminated with two full scale battles in 1571: The Battle of Tillieangus and the Battle of Craibstone. It was at the Battle of Tillieangus that the 6th Lord Forbes's youngest son known as Black Aurther Forbes was killed. Legend has it that "he stooped down to quench his thirst and one of the Gordons gave him his death blow through an open joint in his armour". Robert Seton the 6th Lord was created Earl of Winton in 1660. His younger son later became Chancellor of Scotland and was created Lord Fyvie in 1597 and he also became Earl of Dunfermline in 1605. He built much of the Fyvie Castle in Aberdeenshire.

Civil War:

During the battles that continued in the decades after the Civil War James Seton the 5th Earl of Winton had his estates forfeited when he commanded a troop under the Viscount of Dundee at the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689.

Jacobite Uprisings:

George Seton the 5th Earl of Winton joined the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715. He was captured and sentenced to death. However he escaped from the Tower of London and fled to Rome. The Earldom moved to the Setons of Garleton and then to the Seaton Broad-bent family. The Earldom is now dormant.

Clan Shaw:

Origin of Name:

The origin of the name is uncertain but may derive from the old Gaelic name of 'Sithech'.

Clan History:

The Shaw family found themselves constantly beset by their larger neighbour the Clan Comyn/Cumming. They sought support by becoming allies with the powerfull Clan Donald through marriage. Later they also became part of the Chattan Confederation as a sept of the Clan MacKintosh and then later they became a clan of their own. Farquhart Shaw, Shaw 'Mor', was leader of a sept of the MacKintosh from the Rothiemurchus area. It is believed that the lands and stronghold of Rothiemurchus were bestowed upon Shaw 'Mor' in 1396 for leading the Chattan Confederation to battle on the North Inch Perth. It is possible, however, that these lands were received as early as 1226. The Shaws are an ancient Scottish clan, which played a considerable role in Highland history, and which traces its ancestry to the old Earls of Fife and thus the royal line of the Scottish kings. Initially, prior to the general adoption of surnames and, specifically, the use of the name Shaw for that purpose, the Shaws were the first Chiefs of Clan Mackintosh. The Clan name derives from Shaw "Mor" "Coriaclich", great-grandson of Angus (6th Chief of Mackintosh) and Eva (heiress of Clan Chattan (a large confederation of Highland clans)). By tradition, he led the Clan Chattan contingent to victory at the famed Clan Battle of the North Inch at Perth in 1396 and was, as a reward, given the lands of Rothiemurchus, which became the first "seat" of the Clan. He is numbered as our third Chief. The lands of Rothiemurchus (site of the well-known castle Loch-an-Eilean), were sold and lost to the Clan in 1539. By the time of the 1715 Jacobite Rising, the Shaws had lost Rothiemurchus to Clan Grant. Shortly after, the lands were forfeit by the Crown following the murder of the Chief's stepfather, at the hands of the Chief. Shaw and the Chattan Confederation tried to have the lands restored, but were unsuccessful. Later the Shaws migrated to America with the fleet of the Mayflower.

Septs:

Adamson Adamsone Ademson Ademsoun Ademsoune Aesone Aison Aissone Aissoun Aissoune Asson Assone Aue Ave Ay Aye Ayesone Ayson Aysone Aysoun Ayssoun Eason Easone Easson Esson Ison Isone MacAy Saythe Scaith Scayth Schau Schaw Schawe Scheoch Scheok Schiach Schioch Schioche Seah Seath Seith Seth Sha Shau Shawe Shay Sheach Sheath Sheehan Sheoch Shiach Siache Sith Sithach Sithech Sithig Skaith Sythach Sythag Sythock Tordarroch

Clan Sinclair :

Origin of the Clan :

The clan claims to have its origins in Saint-Clair-sur-Epte, in Normandy, France. William “The Seemly” Sinclair, among others, accompanied William the Conqueror in 1066 on his invasion of England. He also accompanied Margaret, daughter of Edward the Exile to Scotland in 1068, where she eventually married Malcolm III of Scotland. In return for his efforts, the king supposedly granted Sinclair the barony of Roslin "in free heritage".

11th to 13th Century :

The Earls of Caithness engaged in a long succession of feuds with their neighbours and within the family. Many of the clans most notable battles were between them and the Campbells or the Sutherlands. Battle of Alnwick, Northumbria England, 1093. Sir Henry Sinclair (1060 - 1110) led an attack on England at Alnwick Castle in which the Scottish won. After the battle during a ceremony where the keys to the castle were to be handed over to the Scottish King an Englishman speared the Scottish King to death. Today the castle still remains a very impressive fort with a central keep and a massive encirling wall. Battle of the Standard,1138. Here Sir Henry Sinclair (1100 - 1165) won high distinction in defending England and was rewarded lands in Cardaine. He was later sent to England as a Scottish ambassador to resolve land disputes. He also succeeded in claiming back Northumberland for Scotland. source Rebellion of the Sinclairs, 1222. The trouble was over tithes imposed by the Bishop of Caithness whose seat was at Dornoch. The Clan Sinclair Earls of Caithness had long resented the fact that the bishopric was under Sutherland control and decided to exploit the discontent over tithes, to get rid of the bishop and have the seat moved. There was soon a riot, said to be incited by Sinclair gold. The unfortunate bishop was roasted alive and his cathedral was set on fire. The rioters then headed north to join up with their Sinclair allies. Once again the Lord of Sutherland was given responsibility by the crown for restoring law and order, and for punishing Sinclair for his instigation of the incident. The Clan Sutherland force was gathered and the far northeast was laid waste in a campaign of revenge and repression. Wick and Thurso were burned and the Sinclair stronghold razed to the ground. Eighty men were tried at a summer court session at Golspie and there was strict punishment for the rioters. Four of the ringleaders were roasted and then fed to the town dogs for good measure.

The Scottish-Norwegian War:

Battle of Largs 1263. Sir William Sinclair(1190 – 1270) led the soldiers of King Alexander III of Scotland to repel the last Norman invasion. Today a column marks the spot of where the battle took place. Every September a Viking festival celebrates the event. Battle of Lewes, 1264. Simon of Montfort, Earl of Leicester, England had gained great influence over other barons and bishops. They drew up the Provisions of Oxford. King Henry III objected. Civil war broke out. The rebellious barons won, capturing the King. After years of conflict the Crown was returned to his son Edward. King Alexander III of Scotland had ordered Sir William Sinclair to assist King Henry III in a bloody victory. Sinclair escaped unharmed.

Wars of Scottish Independence:

Battle of Stirling Bridge, 1297. This battle, 37 miles north of Stirling Castle, recaptured from England's King Edward I, by the Scottish who were led by William Wallace. Sir William Sinclair (1260 – 1305) was one of Wallace's major commanders during the early part of the Wars of Scottish Independence. Battle of Roslin, 1303. Scots defeated an army of 30,000 English at Roslin Glen in three separate engagements. source Battle of Bannockburn, 1314. Sir William Sinclair (1300 – 1330) led the Knights Templar into that battle, and his brother Sir Henry Sinclair (1275 – 1329) the 8th Baron of Roslin fought impressively, for which he was rewarded with more land. He also signed a truce for permanent peace between Robert the Bruce of Scotland and King Edward II of England. Battle of Halidon Hill, 1333. Earl Henry Sinclair (1340 – 1402) was slain in another later battle. In 1379, the family obtained the Earldom of Orkney, and in the 1455 received land in Caithness. The earldom or kingdom of Orkney was later resigned by order of King James III of Scotland.

15th Century:

William Sinclair, Earl of Caithness and Orkney, and Baron of Roslin, the head of the Sinclair family split the family lands, giving the lands of Caithness to his elder son William Sinclair in 1476, and the lands at Roslin to his younger son. It was around this point that the spelling "Sinclair" came into general use, although the Earls of Roslin still prefer to use the older form of "St. Clair".

16th Century:

Clan Conflicts & Anglo-Scottish Wars Battle of Flodden Field, 1515. During the Anglo-Scottish Wars, Sir William Sinclair was one of the nobles fighting for King James IV of Scotland. He had previously sat in Parliament. In battle King James observed Sir William leading his followers, all wearing green. The King asked and found they were of Caithness, led by the Earl. King James wrote the renewal of Sir William's Earldom on a drumhead, the only parchment available. The drumhead was carried by runner to Sir William's lady. Sir William died in battle the next day, leaving the Earldom to his son John. Somersdale, Orkney, May 1529. John Sinclair (1490 – 1529) 3rd Earl of Caithness, died leading 500 men to help James Sinclair defend the Orkneys. "The Battle of Allt Camhna", 1586; During this battle the Clan Gunn did not do badly considering they were fighting the Clan Sutherland, Clan MacKay and Clan Sinclair, three of the most powerful clans in Scotland. The Earls of Sutherland and Caithness including the MacKays decided to attack Clan Gunn. The Earl of Sutherlands company from Clan Sutherland was commanded by John Gordon of Backies and James MacRorie. The Earl of Caithness's company from Clan Sinclair was conducted by his cousin, Henry Sinclair. The Clan Gunn prepared for the fight and although inferior in numbers had the advantage of being on a hill. The first flight of arrows from the Caithness company fell short. The Gunn's did not and used their position to full advantage. There ensued a sharp conflict, at a place called Allt-gamhna, where Henry Sinclair was slain with 120 of his company, and the rest chased away into the darkness. John Gordon, James MacRorie and Neil MacIan-MacWilliam, who heard what happened to the Earl of Caithness's men, then pursued the Clan Gunn, and followed them to Lochbroom, in the height of Ross, to where they had escaped to. Meeting with them, they invade them at a place called Leckmelm. After a sharp skirmish, the Clan Gunn were overthrown, and chased, many of them slain, and their Captain, George, wounded and taken prisoner, whom they carried along with them unto Dunrobin, and there they deliver him unto Alexander, Earl of Sutherland. This happened in the year 1586. The Gunns had again proved themselves ferocious warriors even when faced with overwhelming odds against them. Battle near Wick, 1588. Earl of Sutherland Alexander Gordon divorced his obnoxious Sinclair wife in 1573. He waged all out war with her father and Clan Sinclair before gaining a decisive victory outside Wick in 1588, when more than a hundred Sinclair clansmen were killed in a pitched battle on the seashore. Earl Alexander later married Jean Gordon, the divorced wife of the Earl of Bothwell, third husband to Mary Queen of Scots.

17th Century & Clan Conflicts:

Castle Kirkwall, 1614. Castle Kirkwall was an Orkney waterfront stronghold built by Prince Henry 1390. Henry Sinclair Wadsetter (1570 – 1614) died leading 100 men to besiege the castle. He became paralyzed and died at night. Battle of Altimarlech, 1678. A battle took place between Clan Campbell and Clan Sinclair. Legend has it that so many Sinclairs were killed that the Campbells were able to cross the river without getting their feet wet. Clearly, however, the Sinclairs had influence in high places as only a few years later, in 1681, they regained the earldom by an order of Parliament.

Clan Septs:

Budge Caird Clouston Clyne Linklater Lyall Mason

Clan Skene :

Origins of the Clan:

The Clan Skene is thought to have originally been an exeptionaly early sept of the Clan Donnachaidh before it became known as the Clan Robertson. clan Skene is known in Gaelic as Siol Sgeine or Clann Donnachaidh Mhar. the traditional origin of the name is found in an eleventh century legend of the Robertsons. It is said that a younger son of the Robertsons of Struan saved the life of the King by killing a wolf with just a small dagger known as a sgian. He was rewarded with lands named after the weapon that brought him such good fortune. This story is commemorated on the chief's shield which shows three wolves' heads impaled on daggers or Dirks. The Clan Skene are believed to have joined the army of King Alexander I of Scotland when he marched north to destroy rebells in the north in 1118. The first recorded person of the name Skene was John de Skeen who lived during the reign of King Malcolm III of Scotland. John and his son Patrick Skeen are on the Ragman Rolls of 1296.

14th Century & Robert the Bruce:

It is believed to be Patrick's son who received a charter of the family lands from King Robert the Bruce in 1318.

15th Century & Clan Conflicts:

In 1411 the Clan Skene fought at the Battle of Harlaw as did many other Scottish Lowland and Highland clans where their chief was killed. The Clan Skene were part of the Lowland army commanded by the Earl of Mar in support of the Duke of Albany. Their enemy was an army of Highland clans led by the the chief of Clan Donald the Lord of the Isles.

16th Century & Anglo-Scottish Wars:

In the 16th century during the Anglo-Scottish Wars the Clan Skene fought against the English at the Battle of Flodden Field in 1513 where their chief was slain. The Clan Skene also 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 were also killed. A good clan chief was expected to lead by example and this meant being first into battle. Because of the awful number of Scottish lives lost at this battle the 10th of September is rememberd in Scotland as Black Saturday. Corriche 1562, The Clan Skene supported the Clan Gordon at the Battle of Corrichie which took place around Meikle Tap in 1562, between George Gordon, 4th Earl of Huntley and James Stuart, the new Earl of Moray (half-brother to Mary Queen of Scots). Gordon was killed and his son, Sir John, and other members of his family were later executed at Aberdeen. The chief of Clan Skene survived but his youngest son and many of his kinsmen were killed. Another prominent branch of the family was the Skenes of Curriehill. Sir John Skene of Curriehill was a prominent sixteenth-century lawyer who was appointed to the Supreme Court Bench in 1594, taking the title, ‘Lord Curriehill’. He was knighted by James VI, and his son was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1626. Sir John’s 2nd son, John Skene of Hallyards, also rose to high judicial office as the Lord Clerk Register.

17th Century & Civil War:

During the Civil War the Skenes supported the Royalist cause of King Charles I. As a result they were forced into exile. The chief and his clan took service with the Swedish armies under King Gustav Adolphus.

Clan Septs:

Septs of the Clan Skene include: Cariston, Dyce, and Hallyard.

Clan Stirling :

Origins of the Clan:

The originator of the Clan Stirling is believed to be a man by the name of Thoraldus who was granted a charter of lands in Cadder by King David I of Scotland in 1147. His descendant Sir Alexander de Strivelyn, the fith Laird of Cadder died in 1304.

14th Century & Wars of Scottish Independence:

Alexander's heir, Chief John de Strivelyn led the clan against the English at the Battle of Halidon Hill in 1333 where he was killed. His grandson, Sir William had two sons. The succession of chieftenship passed through his first son, William for four generations and then passed to the grandson of his second son John.

15th Century:

John was the governor of the Royal Dumbarton Castle and was sherriff of Dumbartonshire. He was appointed armour bearer by King James I of Scotland and Comptroller of the Royal Household. He was knighted in 1430. His son, William acquired the lands of Glovat from the Earl of Lennox. He also held Dumbarton Castle for the King. The Stirlings obtained the lands of Keir in Perthshire in the mid 15th century.

16th Century & Anglo-Scottish Wars:

In the 16th century during the Anglo-Scottish Wars William's son George who was now the chief also held Dunbarton Castle. His lands were forfeited after leading the clan into battle at the Battle of Linlithgow against the King's authority in 1526 but they were restored the following year. George led the clan into battle against the English at the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh in 1547. He died later of wounds he recieved at the battle. In 1563 a battle took place between the Clan Stirling and the Clan Kincaid. Malcolm, the chief of Clan Kincaid lost an arm. However this did not stop Malcolm from fighting as the two clans met again for another battle where the Kincaid chief was finally dispatched by a Stirling of Glovat in 1581.

17th Century & Civil War:

George's great-grandson Sir Mungo Stirling was a staunch adherant of King Charles I who knighted him in recognition of his bravery. The Clan Stirling fought under James Graham the 1st Marquess of Montrose at the Battle of Philiphaugh in 1645. Sir Mungo Stirling's son, George Stirling was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1666.

18th Century & Jacobite Uprisings:

The Stirlings supported the Jacobite House of Stuart during the Jacobite Uprisings. Chief James Stirling was imprisoned and his lands forfeited for his involvment but they were later restored.

Clan Septs:

Spelling variations and septs of the Clan Stirling inlude: Stairline, Stairling, Stairlink, Sterline, Sterling, Sterlink, Sterlline, Sterlling, Sterllink, Steuline, Steuling, Steulink, Stewline, Stewling, Stewlink, Stirine, Stiring, Stirink, Stirline, Stirling, Stirlink, Strifelan, Strifeland, Strifelane, Strifelant, Strifelen, Strifelend, Strifelent, Strifelind, Strifelint, Strifelyn, Strifelynd, Striffelan, Striffeland, Striffelane, Striffelant, Striffelen, Striffelend, Striffelent, Striffelind, Striffelint, Striffelyn, Striffelynd, Strivelan, Striveland, Strivelane, Strivelant, Strivelen, Strivelend, Strivelent, Strivelind, Strivelint, Strivelyn, Strivelynd, Sturline, Sturling, Sturlink, Styrline, Styrling, Styrlink.

Clan Sutherland :

12th to 13th Century:

Battle of Dornoch 1150c; The Sutherland forbear was Freskin de Moravia, whose father was probably a Flemish noble named Ollec with lands in Morayshire and elsewhere ("de Moravia" being "of Moray"). He was given a commission by King David I to gather the Sutherland Gaels together and clear the Norsemen from the area, and he received Strabrock in West Lothian and Duffus in Moray from King David I. Some hold that he was therefore probably the hero of the clan legend about the killing of the last Norseman. The crucial battle took place near Dornoch where the Norse chief had gathered his men in a desperate attempt to stop the Scottish advance. The fight at first went the Norsemen's way when they penetrated the Scot's formation and the Sutherland chief was injured. As the chief lay wounded though, he spotted a Norse general coming up to support the attack. Finding a horseshoe at hand, he threw it with all of his might striking the Norseman squarely in the forehead, killing him, and turning the whole battle around. By the end of the day, all of the Norseman had been killed or captured. Battle of John o' Groats; Hugh Freskin Sutherland is said to have strengthened the family's royal favor by riding the north of a ferocious band of robbers lead by Harold Chisholm. Among the crimes, a number of Sutherland churchmen were tortured by nailing horseshoes to their feet and making them dance to entertain the followers before putting them savagely to death. On hearing of this outrage, King William the Lion ordered Hugh of Sutherland to pursue Chisolm to the death and a great fight ensued near John o' Groats. All of the robbers were either killed or captured. Harold Chisolm and the other leaders were given a punishment to fit the crime, horse shoeing and hanging. The rest were gelded to prevent any offspring from men who were so detestable. This seems to have been a frequent punishment of the time. In 1198 an entire sept of the Sinclairs were castrated for the killing of the Bishop of Caithness. Rebellion of the Sinclairs 1222; The trouble was over tithes imposed by the Bishop of Caithness whose seat was at Dornoch. The Clan Sinclair Earls of Caithness had long resented the fact that the bishopric was under Sutherland control and decided to exploit the discontent over tithes, to get rid of the bishop and have the seat moved. There was soon a riot, said to be incited by Sinclair gold. The unfortunate bishop was roasted alive and his cathedral was set on fire. The rioters then headed north to join up with their Sinclair allies. Once again the Lord of Sutherland was given responsibility by the crown for restoring law and order, and for punishing Sinclair for his instigation of the incident. The Clan Sutherland force was gathered and the far northeast was laid waste in a campaign of revenge and repression. Wick and Thorso were burned and the Sinclair stronghold razed to the ground. Eighty men were tried at a summer court session at Golspie and there was strict punishment for the rioters. Four of the ringleaders were roasted and then fed to the town dogs for good measure.

14th Century & Wars of Scottish Independence:

In the 14th century during the Wars of Scottish Independence The Clan Sutherland under William de Moravia the 3rd Earl of Sutherland fought at the Battle of Bannockburn (1314). Earl Kenneth de Moravia the 4th Earl of Sutherland later led the Clan Sutherland at the Battle of Halidon Hill (1333). Clan Sutherland HighlanderWilliam de Moravia 5th Earl of Sutherland, whose wife was the daughter of Robert the Bruce and sister of King David II of Scotland, led the clan at Kilblene where he participated in the siege of Cupar Castle Fife. Along with the Earl of March took foray into England. Battle of Neville's Cross 1346; William Earl of Sutherland accompanied King David II of Scotland into England where both were captured at the battle of Nevill's Cross by Durham. They remained in prison for over ten years before being released. John, the son of the Earl and Princess Margaret, was designated the heir to the Throne over Robert Stewart, who eventually became King Robert II in 1371 Raid of Dornoch 1372; The habitual enemies of Clan Sutherland were the Clan Sinclair of Caithness, Clan MacKay and the Clan McLeod to the west of Sutherland. The long dispute with the MacKays first came to a head in 1372, when Nicholas Sutherland of Duffus, head of one of the junior branches, murdered Mackay and his heir in their beds at Dingwold Castle where they had met in an attempt to patch up the feud. Much bloodshed followed, including a retaliatory raid on Dornoch. The cathedral was once again set on fire and many Sutherland men were hanged in the town square. After this, the feud quieted down as both sides were called away to fight against the English.

15th Century & Clan Conflicts:

Battle of Strathnaver 1407; The Earl of Sutherland was a leader of the Scots invading into the west of England in 1388. He married Margaret Stewart, daughter of Alexander, Earl of Buchan, a younger son of King Robert II. During his long chief-ship, there was a temporary alliance with the Clan MacKay against the Clan McLeod who had invaded Strathnaver in 1407 on rumors that MacKay was mistreating his wife, a MacLeod heiress. Since both Sutherland and MacKay country were laid waste, the old rivals joined forces to pursue the MacLeods, catching them somewhere near Loch Shin where the invaders were killed except for the last man who escaped his pursuers by throwing away his sword and targe and out sprinting his pursuers over the hills. This day became known as "The Great Slaughter" and gave the Sutherlands the upper hand in dominating their local clan rivals. The Battle of Skibdo and Strathfleet around 1480; MacDonald of the Isles, accompanied by about five or six hundred of his clan came into Sutherland and encamped hard by the Castle of Skibo, whereupon Neil Murray (son or grandson to Angus Murray, slain at Druimnacoub) was sent by John, Earl of Sutherland, to resist them, in case they did harm the inhabitants. Neil Murray believing that the MacDonalds would go about spoiling the country attacked the MacDonalds by Skibo, and killed one of their chieftains, called Donald Dow MacDonald along with fifty others. Macdonald, with the rest of his company, escaped back into their own country. Shortly thereafter another company of Macdonald's came to Strathfleet in Sutherland, and spoiled that part of the country, in revenge for the death of their chieften. However Robert Sutherland (John, Earl of Sutherland's brother), assembled an army and attacked them upon the sands of Strathfleet. After a sharp and cruel skirmish, Macdonald's men were defeated. [edit] 16th Century & Clan Conflicts 1517 - Battle of Torran Dubh; Clan Sutherland defeat Clan MacKay. The Clan Sutherland encounter John Mackay and his company at a place called Torran Dubh, beside Rogart, in Strathfleet, where there ensued a fierce and cruel conflict. 1542 - Chief Donald MacKay of Strathnaver decided to invade and molest the lands of Clan Sutherland. He burned the village of Knockartoll and stole many goods from Strathbrora. The Clan Sutherland and Clan Murray led by Hutcheon Murray of Abirscors with Gilbert Gordon of Garty decided to attack the MacKays. They attacked the MacKays at a place called Ailtan-Beath. After the battle the MacKays fled and much of the stolen booty was recoverd. Donald MacKay was captured and imprisoned in Foulis Castle, Ross-shire by commandment of the Queen Regent. "The Battle of Allt Camhna", 1586; During this battle the Clan Gunn did not do badly considering they were fighting the Clan Sutherland, Clan MacKay and Clan Sinclair, three of the most powerful clans in Scotland. The Earls of Sutherland and Caithness including the MacKays decided to attack Clan Gunn. The Earl of Sutherlands company from Clan Sutherland was commanded by John Gordon of Backies and James MacRorie. The Earl of Caithness's company from Clan Sinclair was conducted by his cousin, Henry Sinclair. The Clan Gunn prepared for the fight and although inferior in numbers had the advantage of being on a hill. The first flight of arrows from the Caithness company fell short. The Gunn's did not and used their position to full advantage. There ensued a sharp conflict, at a place called Allt-gamhna, where Henry Sinclair was slain with 120 of his company, and the rest chased away into the darkness. John Gordon, James MacRorie and Neil MacIan-MacWilliam, who heard what happened to the Earl of Caithness's men, then pursued the Clan Gunn, and followed them to Lochbroom, in the height of Ross, to where they had escaped to. Meeting with them, they invade them at a place called Leckmelm. After a sharp skirmish, the Clan Gunn were overthrown, and chased, many of them slain, and their Captain, George, wounded and taken prisoner, whom they carried along with them unto Dunrobin, and there they deliver him unto Alexander, Earl of Sutherland. This happened in the year 1586. The Gunns had again proved themselves ferocious warriors even when faced with overwhelming odds against them. Battle near Wick 1588; Earl of Sutherland Alexander Gordon divorced his obnoxious Sinclair wife in 1573. He waged all out war with her father and Clan Sinclair before gaining a decisive victory outside Wick in 1588, when more than a hundred Sinclair clansmen were killed in a pitched battle on the seashore. Earl Alexander later married the divorced wife of the Earl of Bothwell, third husband to Mary Queen of Scots.

17th Century & Civil War:

In Sir Robert Gordon's time during the 17th century the Clan Sutherland began to acquire the reputation for enthusiastic and pious Protestantism. This is probably what made the Earls begin to distance themselves from their Clan Gordon cousins who were Catholics and later Jacobites. Sir Robert's nephew, for example, was known as the Covenanting Earl and the clan was involved with the troubles through the 17th and 18th centuries but was supportive of the British Crown. Battle of Carbisdale (1650); During the Civil War Clan Sutherland along with Clan Munro and Clan Ross joined forces with the Scottish Argyll Government to fight against the Marquess of Montrose and his Royalist Army of forieners. The Royalist Army led by Scotsman James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose was mainly made up of soldiers from Denmark and Germany. The Royalists were defeated by the Scottish Argyll Government forces. The Marquess of Montrose escaped the battle but due to wounds and ill health gave himself in to Macleod of Assynt who in turn handed him in to the government. He was brought a prisoner to Edinburgh, and on 20 May sentenced to death by the parliament. He was hanged on the 21st, with Wishart's laudatory biography of him put round his neck. Shortly after Montroses death the Scottish Argyll Government switched sides and became Royalists too.

18th Century & Jacobite Uprisings:

The Clan Sutherland supported the British government during the Jacobite uprisings in 1745-1746. The Chief of Clan Sutherland was of course now a Gordon and the Clan Gordon were themselves divided with half supporting the Jacobites and half supporting the government. There were Gordons on both sides. The 2nd Duke of Gordon had followed the Jacobites in 1715, but the 3rd Duke of Gordon supported the British government by the time of the 1745 uprising. However his his brother raised two regiments against him to fight as Jacobites at the Battle of Falkirk (1746) and the Battle of Culloden (1746). Unfortunately when the Jacobite Uprisings began in 1745 the Jacobites stormed Clan Sutherland's Dunrobin Castle without warning. The Earl of Sutherland who had changed his surname from Gordon to Sutherland; William Sutherland the 17th Earl, narrowly escaped them through a back door. He sailed for Aberdeen where he joined the Duke of Cumberland's army. The redeaming parts of the Jacobite Uprising came for Clan Sutherland when they defeated a Jacobite force under the Earl of Cromartie as it made its way to join Prince Charlie at Culloden. Then there was the final victory over the Jacobites at the Battle of Culloden itself in 1746.

Septs of Clan Sutherland:

Cheyne Chiene Clyne Duffes Duffus Federith Gray Grey Keith Mouat Mowat(t) Murray Norman Oliphant O'May