The Scottish Clans

Motto: Virescit Vulnere Virtus (Courage Flourishes at a Wound)
Tartan: Burnett, Burnett of Leys
Plant Badge: A sprig of holly leaves

Associated Names and Septs (with spelling variations):
Blackhall Burnaitt Burnat Burnate Burnet Burnett

History

Although it is suggested that the family have Norman ancestry it is more probable that the name Burnett is a variant of Burnard from the Old English personal name Beornheard who occupied England before 1066. ‘beornheard’ translates from the Saxon as ‘bear hand’ but is sometimes also translated as ‘brave warrior’.

The family, called themselves de Bernard came to Scotland in the train of David I in the 12th century and first settled in the south, where some remained to become the Burnett’s of Barns. The chiefly branch traveled to Kincardineshire, where they became the Burnett’s of Leys.

Alexander Burnett supported Robert the Bruce, and was awarded land in the royal Forest of Drum, together with the title of forester. In the main hall of Crathes Castle there hangs an ivory horn called the ‘Horn of Leys’ which is alleged to have been presented by Bruce as a symbol of this. His great-grandson, Robert was the first designated “of Leys” in 1446.

The Burnett’s have had a mixed relationship with the church; during the fifteenth century they were recorded granting lands and endowments. Later in a land dispute between Burnett and the nearby Laird of Drum the local priest Father Ambrose, was asked by Burnett to assist in negotiations but he refused. Burnett was incensed and denied the local monks fishing rights in the Loch of Leys. This caused bad blood between Burnett and the monks who cursed him. He in turn attempted to drain the loch but his son was killed during the attempt and after the tragedy the two sided were reconciled.

The Clan seat is at Crathes Castle on the north of the Dee in Kincardineshire which was founded in 1533. The castle took 40 years to build and retains the traditional L-shaped form. There is also legend of a ghost at Crathes Castle. The ghost is believed to be Bertha de Bernard a relative of the Burnett’s who was allegedly poisoned (some say by Lady Agnes Burnett) after falling for one of her betrothed cousins. Bertha’s father is said to have cursed the family and up to the 17th century a ‘Green Lady’ was seen in the castle as a portent to ill tidings in the household.

Sir Thomas Burnett was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1626 by Charles I. He supported the Covenant but was also a friend and relative of the Marquis of Montrose. His son served in the last Scottish parliament and was one of the few Scottish politicians who opposed the 1707 Act of Union.

The title passed to Thomas Burnett of Criggie when Sir Robert Burnett of Leys died with no heir the title still took seven years to pass over though as it was bitterly contested. The seventh Baronet served in the Royal Scots Fusiliers during the American Wars, he was taken prisoner at Saratoga in 1777. Major General Sir James Burnett of Leys, thirteenth Baronet commanded a brigade of Gordon Highlanders in the First World War. He was frequently mentioned in dispatches and decorated with the DSO twice as well as the French Legion of Honour. His grandson is the present chief, and still lives on the family lands.

Scottish Gifts Erskine Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:05:19 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Farquharson Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:18:08 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Ferguson Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:36:04 PDT   | Watch this Item

SCOTTISH CASTLE DRUMMOND CLAN 11x17 PHOTOCHROM PRINT COUNTY PERTH SCOTLAND 1616 US $6.95 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:05:39 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Fleming Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:11:02 PDT   | Watch this Item

Shaw Clan Crest Cufflinks Pewter Celtic Scottish New US $30.02 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:11:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Fletcher Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:22:02 PDT   | Watch this Item

Lamont Clan Crest Pewter Cufflinks Celtic Scottish New US $30.02 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:30:41 PDT   | Watch this Item

7 SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER GLASSES SCOTLAND CLANSMEN TARTAN KILTS TUMBLER CLAN GLASS US $89.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:34:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE 1931 SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH / BADGE "STAND SURE" ANDERSON US $15.02 (5 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

Gaelic Name: Cononach
Motto: Clarior hinc honos (Hence the brighter honour)
Badge: Bilberry
Lands: Loch Lomond-shire
Origin of Name: from Both-Charain (Canon’s Seat)

Associated Names and Septs (with spelling variations):
Aslan Auslan Bochnannane Boqhannan Boquhennane Boquhennnan Buchanan Buchquannan Buchquhannan Buchquhannane Bucqhannane Bucquannane Buhannane Buquhannan Buquhannane Calman Clay Coleman Colman Conlay Conley Cormac Cormack Cormag Cormick Cosland Cousland Cowsland Dewar Deware Dewere Donleavy Donlevy Dove Dow Dowe Dunleavy Dunslef Gebbieson Geib Gib Gibb Gibbeson Gibbie Gibbieson Gibbinson Gibbisone Gibbon Gibbons Gibbs Gibson Gibsone Gibsoun Gibsoune Gilbert Gilbertson Gilbertsone Gipson Gipsone Gipsoun Gracey Gracie Gracy Graisich Grasich Grass Grasse Grasseich Grassiche Grassichsone Grassick Grassie Grasycht Graysich Greasaighe Greasich Grecie Greishich Greoschich Greoshich Greshach Gresich Gressiche Greusach Greusaich Grevsach Griasaich Griesck Gybbesone Gybson Gybsone Gybsoun Gypsone Harper Harperson Harpeur Harpur Jore Lanie Lanye Lenay Lenna Lennie Lenny Leny MacAbin MacAbsolon MacAldonich MacAlman MacAlmant MacAlmont MacAmhaoir MacAnally MacAndeoir MacAnnally MacArmick MacAslan MacAsland MacAslen MacAslin MacAuselan MacAuslan MacAusland MacAuslane MacAuslin MacCallman MacCalmain MacCalman MacCalmin MacCalmon MacCalmont MacCamant MacCannally MacCarmick MacCarmike MacCaslan MacCasland MacCaslane MacCaslen MacCaslin MacCasline MacCausland MacChananaich MacChormaig MacChritter MacChruitar MacChruiter MacChruter MacChruytor MacChrytor MacChurteer MacClae MacClay MacCleay MacClew MacColeman MacCollea MacColmain MacColman MacComok MacConlea MacCormack MacCormaic MacCormaig MacCormick MacCormock MacCormok MacCornack MacCornick MacCornock MacCornok MacCowatt MacCowbyn MacCuabain MacCubben MacCubbin MacCubbine MacCubbing MacCubbon MacCubein MacCubeine MacCuben MacCubene MacCubine MacCubyn MacCubyne MacCurchie MacDimslea MacDonleavy MacDonnslae MacGibbon MacGibbone MacGibboney MacGibon MacGibonesoun MacGiboun MacGibson MacGilbert MacGormick MacGormock MacGrasaych MacGrassych MacGrassycht MacGrasycht MacGrayych MacGreische MacGreish MacGresche MacGresich MacGressich MacGressiche MacGreusach MacGreusaich MacGreusich MacGubb MacGubbin MacGybbon MacHouat MacHrurter MacHruter MacHuat MacIldonich MacInair MacInally MacInayr MacInchruter MacIndeoir MacIndeor MacIndoe MacIndoer MacInnuer MacInnuier MacInnyeir MacInuair MacInuar MacInuire MacInuyer MacJore MacKeandla MacKermick MacKernock MacKibbin MacKibbon MacKindew MacKindlay MacKinla MacKinlay MacKinley MacKmaster MacKnaer MacKnair MacKnaire MacKornock MacKornok MacKwatt MacKynnair MacKynnayr MacLae MacLay MacLea MacLeay MacLey MacMagister MacMaster MacMaurice MacMhurchaidh MacMorice MacMories MacMoris MacMoroquhy MacMurachy MacMurchaidh MacMurchie MacMurchou MacMurchy MacMurd MacMurdo MacMurdoch MacMurdy MacMuredig MacMurphy MacMurquhe MacMurquhie MacMurtchie MacNair MacNally MacNar MacNare MacNayair MacNayer MacNayr MacNayre MacNear MacNeer MacNeir MacNeur MacNewer MacNoyar MacNoyare MacNoyiar MacNuer MacNuir MacNuire MacNure MacNuyer MacNvyr MacObyn MacOldonich MacOnlay MacOrmack MacOuat MacOwat MacQharter MacQherter MacQuaben MacQuarter MacQuat MacQuattie MacQuatty MacQueeban MacQuhartoune MacQuhat MacQuhatti MacQuhattie MacQuhirtir MacQuhirtour MacQuhirtoure MacQuhorter MacQuhriter MacQuibben MacQuibbon MacQuiben MacQuirter MacRob MacRobb MacRobe MacRuter MacUbein MacUbin MacUbine MacUrchie MacUrchy MacVannan MacVat MacVorchie MacVurchie MacWat MacWatt MacWatte MacWattie MacWatty MacWete MacWhirter MacWhirtour MacWhorter MacWhrurter MacWhyrter MacWirter MacWorthie MacWurchie Maistersone Maistertoun Maistertoune Maistertown Makarmik Makaslane Makcormok Makcubeyn Makcubyn Makcubyng Makgeboun Makgibboun Makley Makmoris Makmuldonych Makmurche Makmurquhy Maknair Maknare Maknayr Maknewar Maknoyar Makrutour Makrutur Makwat Makwatty Makwete Makynnair Masterson Masterton Mastertone Maurice Meldonich Mewhirter Mhurchaidh Mildonich Morice Morrice Morris Muldonich Muldonycht Murchad Murchadh Murchaidh Murcheson Murchesoun Murchie Murchieson Murchison Murchosone Murchosoun Murchy Murquhason Murquhasson Murquhessoun Murquhosoun Murtchie Reisk Risk Risken Rusken Ruskin Spetal Spetall Spetalle Spettale Spettall Spital Spitale Spitel Spittal Spittale Spittel Spittele Spittell Spytale Vair Vatsone Vatsoun Vatt Vcmurrochie Veir Vere Veyre Wair Ware Wason Wasson Wat Wateson Watson Watsone Watsoun Watsoune Watt Wattie Watts Wattsone Watty Wayre Wear Weare Weer Weir Weire Were Werr Weyir Weyr Whier Wier Wir Wire Yell Yoile Yool Yoole Youle Youll Yuel Yuill Yuille Yule Yull Yulle Zuill

History

The Buchanan name has been grounded in the lands surrounding the shores of Loch Lomond since 1225, when a grant by the Earls of Lennox to Sir Absalon of Buchanan, referred to in contemporaneous sources as ‘clericus meus’ i.e. he was a clergyman.

The derivation of the name in Gaelic lends validity to such a claim: ‘Buth chanain’ is Gaelic for the ‘House of the Canon’, an indication that the first Buchanan’s may have been a family that was dedicated to the service of the ancient Celtic church, or may have had a pre-charter, hereditary clerical tenure. Furthermore, the clan can trace its origins back to Anselan O Kyan, son of a King of Ulster who landed in Argyll circa 1016. For his services against the Danes he received the lands of Buchanan, lying to the east of Loch Lomond.

Equally, it has been argued that the benefactor was Gilbert, seneschal to the Earl of Lennox, and that the lands were in Stirlingshire. 1282 was when these lands were confirmed with baronial rights through a charter to Morris of Buchanan, who also held a small island called Clarinch, that subsequently became the clan battle cry.

The Buchanans supported the Bruce in the war of independence, thus assuring the predominance of the family in the post-Banockburn era. The Buchanan shield is virtually indistinguishable from the Royal Arms of Scotland, with a significant difference. The Buchanan version of the arms changes the lion and the double treasure of fleur de lis from red to black, thought to be an allusion to the marriage of Sir Walter Buchanan to the only daughter of Murdoch, Duke of Albany and Regent of Scotland.

The regent was to be beheaded by his cousin, James I in 1425, his lands confiscated and the line of the Regent’s family terminated when his son died heirless. It is reputed that the colouring of the Buchanan arms also reflects a mourning for loss of status as nearest relatives to this branch of the disinherited family.

Other descendants of this chiefly family were the Buchanan’s of Arnprior who held lands in Kippen, Perthshire, where they were known as ‘Kings of Kippen’. This popular nickname relates to a Walter Scott story in which James V arrived at Arnprior, unrecognised due to his penchant for travelling his lands in disguise. He was met with a degree of hospitality that was hardly sufficient given his status – the Laird was eating, and could not be disturbed, he was told.

The disguised James V asked the Laird’s doorman to tell the ‘King of Kippen’ that:

“the Goodman of Ballengreich is come to feast”.

Buchanan knew that these words signalled he was in the presence of true royalty, and begged forgiveness.

Scottish Gifts Erskine Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:05:19 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Farquharson Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:18:08 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Ferguson Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:36:04 PDT   | Watch this Item

SCOTTISH CASTLE DRUMMOND CLAN 11x17 PHOTOCHROM PRINT COUNTY PERTH SCOTLAND 1616 US $6.95 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:05:39 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Fleming Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:11:02 PDT   | Watch this Item

Shaw Clan Crest Cufflinks Pewter Celtic Scottish New US $30.02 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:11:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Fletcher Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:22:02 PDT   | Watch this Item

Lamont Clan Crest Pewter Cufflinks Celtic Scottish New US $30.02 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:30:41 PDT   | Watch this Item

7 SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER GLASSES SCOTLAND CLANSMEN TARTAN KILTS TUMBLER CLAN GLASS US $89.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:34:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE 1931 SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH / BADGE "STAND SURE" ANDERSON US $15.02 (5 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

Badge: Sunflower
Origin of Tartan: Family tartan derived from Cumming, Relatives of Buchan

Associated Names and Septs (with spelling variations):
Bochane Boghan Buccan Bucchaine Bucchan Buchan Buchane Bughan Buquhan

History

The Buchan region, in the northeastern part of Aberdeenshire, verging on Banffshire, is the origin of the name of this clan. The Earldom of Buchan passed through the hands of the Comyns, though it fell from their grasp following their defeat at the hands of Robert the Bruce. Subsequently, the earldom was conferred upon Alexander Stewart, natural son of Robert II, and the notorious ‘Wolf of Badenoch’.

It is important to distinguish, however, that the name would also have been used by local nobility, even though they may have no direct affiliation with their Earls.

Auchmacoy came under the family’s influence from the beginning of the 14th century, though it was not until 1503 that Andrew, the second chief, received a charter to the lands from James IV. The Barons of Auchmacoy were strident Royalists and supported the Stewart claim throughout the 17th century. Thomas Buchan, 3rd Son of James Buchan of Auchmacoy, was appointed commander-in-chief of all Jacobite forces in Scotland following the death of Dundee at Killiecrankie in 1689. He received his commission from the King in Ireland, who returned to Scotland in April 1690 where he met at Keppoch with chiefs sympathetic to the Jacobite cause.

Buchan led the Jacobite forces throughout a protracted strategic struggle with government forces under General Mackay. Following his eventual defeat, he was allowed to seek exile in France, but he fought again at the Battle of Sheriffmuir in 1715, and continued his royal allegiance right up to his death in 1721.

Scottish Gifts Erskine Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:05:19 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Farquharson Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:18:08 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Ferguson Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:36:04 PDT   | Watch this Item

SCOTTISH CASTLE DRUMMOND CLAN 11x17 PHOTOCHROM PRINT COUNTY PERTH SCOTLAND 1616 US $6.95 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:05:39 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Fleming Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:11:02 PDT   | Watch this Item

Shaw Clan Crest Cufflinks Pewter Celtic Scottish New US $30.02 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:11:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Fletcher Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:22:02 PDT   | Watch this Item

Lamont Clan Crest Pewter Cufflinks Celtic Scottish New US $30.02 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:30:41 PDT   | Watch this Item

7 SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER GLASSES SCOTLAND CLANSMEN TARTAN KILTS TUMBLER CLAN GLASS US $89.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:34:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE 1931 SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH / BADGE "STAND SURE" ANDERSON US $15.02 (5 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

Gaelic Name: Brus
Motto: Fuimus (We have been)
Badge: Rosemary
Lands: Annandale, Clackmannan and Elgin
Origin of Name: Placename, Bruis – France

Associated Names and Septs (with spelling variations):
Airth Broce Brois Broise Broiss Brose Brouss Bruc Bruce Bruce Brues Bruice Bruis Brus Bruse Bruss Bruwes Bruys Bruze Carruthers Crosbie

History

It is possible to trace the descendancy of this famous clan to Normandy, France in the 11th century. Robert de Brus followed William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy to England in 1066.. One of his relatives, Robert de Brus, became a companion-in-arms to Prince David in his visit to the court of Henry I of England, afterwards David I of Scotland, following him north as he went to reclaim his kingdom in 1124.

At an important battle in the English Civil War, the Battle of the Standards in 1138, Scottish forces were defeated. de Brus captured his own second son, Robert, who did not share his father’s allegiance to the English forces resisting the invading Scottish forces led by David. Robert ultimately returned to the lands of Annandale, and as a symbol of his defiance, abandoned his father’s arms of a red lion on a silver field, to adopt the famous red saltire.

The foundation of the royal house of Bruce was laid when Robert, 4th Lord of Annandale, married Isobel, niece of William of Lion. Not only did this confirm the regal gesture of the grant of the lands of Annandale, but it was the foundation upon which all future Bruce claims to the crown would be made. Furthermore, Robert de Bruce was in 1255 nominated one of the Regents of the Kingdom of Scotland, and the guardian of Alexander III.

The race for the succession to the Scottish crown was opened up by the death of Alexander III in 1286. The main competitor to the Bruce was the Balliol family. The death of the child heir to the throne, Margaret, the Maid of Norway, in 1290 intensified the competition. In 1290 he claimed the Crown as the nearest heir to Alexander III.

It could be argued the actions of Edward were duplicitous:

On the one hand, to avoid a potential civil war, it is said the rival families asked Edward I to act as arbiter. On the other, he ignored the claims made by the Bruce in 1290, in preference to the Balliols, through a strict interpretation of the laws of succession attributed to King Malcolm MacKenneth.

Not content with his judgement of 1292 that favoured John Balliol, Edward I took the opportunity to assert a right of overlordship over Scottish affairs. The response by Balliol was armed resistance though this met with failure at the Battle of Dunbar in 1296. As a consequence of Dunbar, the struggle for succession to the Scottish throne intensified, though taking a new form as a contest between the Comyns and Bruces.

The 8th Robert the Bruce (1274 – 1329), of historical repute, showed Machiavellian qualities in winning this contest. On his invitation John Comyn met with him on February 1306 in the church of Minorite Friars at Dumfries. The incident that followed has acquired notoriety: Robert stabbed his rival in the heart, thus emphatically staking his claim to the Crown.

Robert was crowned King at Scone palace on 27th March 1306. Though he was excommunicated for this act of sacrilege, he continued to show the resolve that had won him the crown in dissuading the sceptics who doubted the validity of his claim and the substance of his leadership. This struggle for Scottish independence culminated in the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 which heralded a period of reconstruction and the successful process of unifying a war-torn nation.

The treaty of Northampton in 1328 ratified the Scottish independence for which Robert the Bruce, 7th Lord of Annandale, 2nd Earl of Carrick, and Scottish regent had fought so hard. The extent to which he was revered can be seen in the actions of Sir James Douglas who, on Robert the Bruce’s death in 1329, sought to preserve the sanctity of the dead King’s soul by transporting his heart to the Holy Land. It found its way to Spain, but no further as Douglas died, though it found eventual rest in Scotland in Melrose.

One of the less famous Bruce descendants was the seventh Earl of Elgin, the famous diplomat who devoted his own private fortune to reclaiming the ‘Elgin Marbles’, or the marbles of the Pantheon, that were rapidly decaying beyond repair.

Scottish Gifts Erskine Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:05:19 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Farquharson Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:18:08 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Ferguson Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:36:04 PDT   | Watch this Item

SCOTTISH CASTLE DRUMMOND CLAN 11x17 PHOTOCHROM PRINT COUNTY PERTH SCOTLAND 1616 US $6.95 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:05:39 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Fleming Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:11:02 PDT   | Watch this Item

Shaw Clan Crest Cufflinks Pewter Celtic Scottish New US $30.02 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:11:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Fletcher Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:22:02 PDT   | Watch this Item

Lamont Clan Crest Pewter Cufflinks Celtic Scottish New US $30.02 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:30:41 PDT   | Watch this Item

7 SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER GLASSES SCOTLAND CLANSMEN TARTAN KILTS TUMBLER CLAN GLASS US $89.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:34:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE 1931 SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH / BADGE "STAND SURE" ANDERSON US $15.02 (5 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

Gaelic Name: Brothaigh
Motto: Unite
Badge: Periwincle
Lands: Morayshire
Origin of Name: Placename, Morayshire

Associated Names and Septs (with spelling variations):
Brady Breaddie Breadie Briddie Bridie Bridy Bridye Broadie Broddie Broddy Brodie Brodye Brothie Bryde Brydie

History

The geographical origin of this ancient clan is the lands of Brodie near Forres, in Morayshire. The exact details of the clan’s origin were denied to history through a malicious attack on Brodie Castle by Lord Lewis Gordon, 3rd Marquis of Huntly, in 1645. All archive material such as charters were burnt and, as a consequence, the origins are mysterious. The gaelic origin of the Brodie name is clearer, though – it derives from the Gaelic word ‘brothaig’ meaning ‘ditch’.

The charter of confirmation for the Brodie lands came from Robert the Bruce and declared that Michael Brodie of Brodie held the rights of thanage over Brodie by right of succession from his paternal ancestors, including his father Malcolm of Brodie.

There is also the suggestion that the family has Pictish origins through descent from the royal family who carries the Pictish name ‘Brude’.

This is reinforced by the extensive archaeological evidence of Pictish settlements around Brodie . For instance, there is a finely carved Pictish symbol stone that stands close to the castle. This is a remnant of an old aristocratic order whose pinnacle was MacBeth: close to Brodie castle lies ‘the blasted heath’ on which MacBeth is reputed to have met the three witches.

Alexander Brodie of Brodie (b.1617) was a vigorous Presbyterian, the reformed religion, and these convictions led him to attack Elgin cathedral in 1640, destroying as he did the carvings and paintings of the Crucifixion and Last Judgement that he considered idolatrous to his religion. His position among local nobility was assured: he represented Elgin in parliament, and further afield, in 1649 he was one of the commissioners sent to negotiate the return of exiled Charles II to Scotland.

His diplomatic career also included a summons by Cromwell to London in 1651 to consider a Scottish union with England. He resisted attempts to appoint him to judicial office, though Cromwell’s death in 1658 forced the issue for him, and he relented. The consequence was royal disfavour following the Restoration, Charles II finding it hard to forgive men who had tried to force their Calvinist beliefs upon him as the price of their allegiance.

Through the centuries the family avoided any role in public affairs commensurate with social status, preferring the security of title and home. In 1972 Mrs Helena Brodie of Brodie discovered a vellum pontifical beneath a set of Bleau atlases in her loft. It was dated to the year 1000 and shows evidence of associations with Durham. Older than the reign of Saint Margaret, the advent of the Turgot of Durham, older than Elgin cathedral itself the Brodie Pontifical now resides in the British Museum.

In short, it is testimony to the family’s antiquity and a historical document of unquantifiable value.

Scottish Gifts Erskine Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:05:19 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Farquharson Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:18:08 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Ferguson Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:36:04 PDT   | Watch this Item

SCOTTISH CASTLE DRUMMOND CLAN 11x17 PHOTOCHROM PRINT COUNTY PERTH SCOTLAND 1616 US $6.95 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:05:39 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Fleming Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:11:02 PDT   | Watch this Item

Shaw Clan Crest Cufflinks Pewter Celtic Scottish New US $30.02 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:11:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Fletcher Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:22:02 PDT   | Watch this Item

Lamont Clan Crest Pewter Cufflinks Celtic Scottish New US $30.02 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:30:41 PDT   | Watch this Item

7 SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER GLASSES SCOTLAND CLANSMEN TARTAN KILTS TUMBLER CLAN GLASS US $89.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:34:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE 1931 SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH / BADGE "STAND SURE" ANDERSON US $15.02 (5 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

Motto: Dominus providebit (The Lord will provide)
Origin of Tartan: From the Norman town of Beauville.

Associated Names and Septs (with spelling variations):

History

The family ‘de Boyville’ came to Britain from the Norman town of Beauville near Caen in the invasion of 1066 and settled in various locations. In particular Wales and Cumberland. In 1124 King David granted Hugh de Morvile the lands of Cunningham and Largs. He subdivided these lands among his relatives and so the de Boyvilles received the lands of Kelburn.

David de Boivil appeared as a witness to a charter in 1164. The male line failed in 1196 and the property passed to the Lords of Galloway. When this line also failed to produce a male heir in 1234 the land passed to the crown. The family aided Alexander III in repelling the Vikings at the Battle of Largs in 1263 and the lands of Kelburn were returned to the family.

Henry de Boyville was the keeper of the castles of Dumfries, Wigtown and Kirkcudbright in 1291 and three de Boyvils signed King Edward’s Ragman Roll in 1296. Despite this apparent subjugation to English Rule the Boyle’s were still involved in the wars of independence, fighting at the Bannockburn in 1314 and the Battle of Sauchieburn for James III where Boyle sons were killed. They also fought for the Scots at Pinkie in 1547

After Sauchieburn the family lands were again forfeited, but they were restored when James IV re-established the monarchy. The family supported Mary, Queen of Scots and later, Charles I, a decision which did not improve the families good fortune. However, when John Boyle of Kelburn was elected as a Commissioner of Parliament in 1681 the Boyle fortune improved. During the 17th century the Boyle’s grew rich through shipping and shipbuilding. John’s son David, also became a Commissioner of Parliament and Privy Councilor and later became Lord Boyle of Kelburn in 1699, and later in 1703 Earl of Glasgow. He was a commissioners for the 1706 Act of Union and was appointed Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. David was thought to have bribed Jacobite supporters to support the Act of Union. As a strong Hanoverian, he raised troops to fight against the Jacobites in 1715.

John Boyle, 3rd Earl of Glasgow had a distinguished military career. He was wounded at the Battle of Fontenoy in 1745 and at the Battle of Lauffeld in 1747. He was also Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly for 9 years. The daughter of the first Earl, Lady Jean, married Sir James Campbell, who also fought at Fontenoy. Their son took over the Earldom of Campbell of Loudoun in 1782

Lady Augusta Boyle, the daughter of the fourth Earl, married Lord Frederick Fitz-clarence, son of William IV in 1891. John, Son of the fourth Earl was a naval officer who fought against the French near Gibraltar. in July 1807. Despite engaging the enemy bravely his ship was boarded by the French and he was taken prisoner. John never married and his younger brother James inherited the Earldom in 1843. Like his older brother he followed a naval career and was made Lord Lieutenant of Renfewshire. He married in 1821 but the couple had no children. When he died his half brother George Frederick Boyle became the sixth Earl the family fortunes took a sharp downturn.

George Boyle was strongly influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite movement and began a massive program of church building all over Scotland. The massive expense brought the estate into bankruptcy and by 1888 he was a million pounds in debt. His assets were put up for sale but Kelburn was saved by his cousin, later the seventh Earl. Sir David Boyle, 7th Earl, was also a naval officer and was created Baron Fairlie of Fairlie in 1897. He was also Governor of New Zealand from 1892 to 1897. The present chief of the name succeeded his father, in 1984 as tenth Earl of Glasgow and still lives at Kelburn Castle near Fairlie in Ayrshire.

Scottish Gifts Erskine Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:05:19 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Farquharson Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:18:08 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Ferguson Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:36:04 PDT   | Watch this Item

SCOTTISH CASTLE DRUMMOND CLAN 11x17 PHOTOCHROM PRINT COUNTY PERTH SCOTLAND 1616 US $6.95 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:05:39 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Fleming Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:11:02 PDT   | Watch this Item

Shaw Clan Crest Cufflinks Pewter Celtic Scottish New US $30.02 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:11:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Fletcher Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:22:02 PDT   | Watch this Item

Lamont Clan Crest Pewter Cufflinks Celtic Scottish New US $30.02 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:30:41 PDT   | Watch this Item

7 SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER GLASSES SCOTLAND CLANSMEN TARTAN KILTS TUMBLER CLAN GLASS US $89.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:34:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE 1931 SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH / BADGE "STAND SURE" ANDERSON US $15.02 (5 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

Gaelic Name: Buidhe
Motto: Confido (I trust)
Badge: Laurel leaves
Lands: Bute
Origin of Name: Gaelic:Buidhe (Fair)

Associated Names and Septs (with spelling variations):
Bhoid Bod Bodha Boed Boht Boid Boyd Boyde Boyt

History

The origin of the name is alternatively descriptive or geographic, though it is undoubtedly Gaelic. As a descriptive term the name may derive from ‘buidhe’ meaning ‘fair’ or ‘yellow’. It may also refer to Bute, the island next in size to Arran, that is called ‘Bod” in Gaelic, the genitive case of which is ‘Boid.’

In 1205 Dominus Robertus de Boyd witnessed a contract between the Lord of Eglinton and the burgh of Irvine, and consequently the name was found in south-west Scotland throughout the 13th century. By swearing allegiance to Robert the Bruce and the cause of Scottish independence, Duncan Boyd lost his life in 1306 at the hands of the English.

Sir Robert Boyd was equally committed to the Bruce cause and was a commander at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 His gallant efforts on the battlefield earned him lands in Kilmarnock, Bondington and elsewhere in Ayrshire that had been confiscated from the Balliols.

The title ‘Lord Boyd of Kilmarnock’ that was bestowed upon the family by James II also signalled that they had attained the peerage. This platform made feasible the coup d’état that Robert, eldest son of Sir Thomas Boyd of Kilmarnock, was to attempt. As a trusted royal officer, he was appointed one of the Regents to James III on the death of the young King’s father in 1460.

With his younger brother Thomas, Robert Boyd exerted a powerful influence on the young James. So much so that, by 1466, Thomas Boyd had become the King’s instructor in Knightly exercises, and Robert Boyd, Great Chamberlain. The coup took the form of kidnapping his young charge and obtaining an Act of Parliament, with royal consent of course (though whether this was freely given is debatable), that appointed him sole governor of the realm. Their position was consolidated by the marriage of Thomas to Princess Mary, the King’s sister, who also received the title ‘Earl of Arran and Kilmarnock.’

Their pursuit of privilege, however, was to reap ill rewards for Robert Boyd, the newly appointed Earl of Arran, and Alexander Boyd, Robert’s brother. Through their success they had stirred up a conspiracy against them that was to persuade the King that the throne itself was in danger at the hands of the Boyd ambition. All three were summoned before King and Parliament in Edinburgh to answer such charges. Of the three, Sir Alexander, a sick man, was the only one to meet the fate that they all knew would meet them – execution for treason.

Lord Boyd escaped to England, while the Earl of Arran, Thomas Boyd, accepted the permanent nature of his exile in Europe on hearing of these events. Princess Mary was summoned back from Scotland on the pretence that her husband, Thomas, would be forgiven. Her presence did not entice Thomas to break his exile and risk death and, detained by her brother, her marriage was annulled.

The family adhered to the cause of the King during the Civil War and the reward for William, Lord Boyd, following the Restoration was that he was created Earl of Kilmarnock. The third earl opposed the Stewart claim during the rising of 1715 and commanded a regiment of Ayrshire volunteers. The fourth earl rejected his father’s sympathies and fought for the Young Pretender – Prince Charles Edward Stewart – who appointed him a member of the Privy Council with the rank of general. He fought at the Battle of Culloden, but was captured and eventually beheaded on Tower Hill on 18th August 1746.

Scottish Gifts Erskine Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:05:19 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Farquharson Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:18:08 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Ferguson Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:36:04 PDT   | Watch this Item

SCOTTISH CASTLE DRUMMOND CLAN 11x17 PHOTOCHROM PRINT COUNTY PERTH SCOTLAND 1616 US $6.95 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:05:39 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Fleming Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:11:02 PDT   | Watch this Item

Shaw Clan Crest Cufflinks Pewter Celtic Scottish New US $30.02 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:11:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Fletcher Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:22:02 PDT   | Watch this Item

Lamont Clan Crest Pewter Cufflinks Celtic Scottish New US $30.02 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:30:41 PDT   | Watch this Item

7 SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER GLASSES SCOTLAND CLANSMEN TARTAN KILTS TUMBLER CLAN GLASS US $89.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:34:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE 1931 SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH / BADGE "STAND SURE" ANDERSON US $15.02 (5 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

Motto: Qui conducit (He who leads)
Origin of Name: Territorial, Roxburghshire

Associated Names and Septs (with spelling variations):
Barthwick Boirthuik Boirthvik Bortheik Borthek Borthock Borthuyke Borthweke Borthwick Borthwick Borthwik Borthwyke

History

The lands by Borthwick Water in Roxburghshire appear to have been the origin of the Borthwick name but the family that took it are one of the oldest in Scotland. Some suggest that they may have come to Britain with the Roman Legions, others that they may have been originally Hungarian. The more accepted assertion is that they arrived in Scotland around 1067 accompanying the Saxon Edgar the Aetheling and his sister, Margaret who married Malcolm Canmore in 1071. Margaret became Queen and eventually Saint Margaret.

In 1330 Sir William Borthwick traveled with Lord James Douglas on his crusade to the holy land with Robert the Bruce’s heart. He returned home after they were attacked by the Moors in Spain, Borthwick is alleged to have beheaded their leader,and a moor’s head still remains the crest as a mark of the event.

The family quickly rose to a position of power in Scotland. Around 1410 Sir William Borthwick obtained a charter confirming his possession of the lands in Midlothian and the Borders

The First Lord Borthwick was sent to England with other nobles as substitute hostages for the ransom of James I of Scotland in 1425. He built one of the most impressive fortified dwellings in Scotland and the castle is still owned by the Borthwick Family. The first Lord Borthwick died around 1458 and his tomb is in the old church of Borthwick.

William, 4th Lord Borthwick, was killed in the Battle of Flodden in 1513, fighting alongside James IV. He was succeeded by his son William who was given command of Stirling Castle and was also made responsible for the safety of the infant James V.

Lord John Borthwick was against the Scottish Reformation and supported of Mary of Guise, the mother of Mary, Queen of Scots. Despite his strong clerical values he found himself excommunicated for his views and William Langlands a court officer was dispatched to serve the letters of excommunication to the curate of Borthwick. He was captured by Borthwicks servants who cast him into the mill dam and then made him eat the letters (made more palatable by being soaked in wine) He was then sent packing with a warning that and future communications would ‘a’ gang the same gait’.

The Borthwicks continued their support for the monarchy when Mary Queen of Scots took refuge at the castle and when opposition forces approached the queen escaped, disguised as a pageboy. They also supported the royalists during the civil war and the roundheads laid siege to Borthwick Castle after the battle of Dunbar in 1650. Cromwell offered Lord Borthwick terms and he and his family were permitted to leave. The male line however failed after this and the title was lost. It was regained by Henry Borthwick of Neathorn in 1672 but he too died without an heir. After many contested claims the title was re-established in 1986 when Major John Borthwick of Crookston was recognised by the Lord Lyon, King of Arms, as Borthwick of that Ilk. He died in December 1996 and his son, John, succeeded to the title and chiefship.

Scottish Gifts Erskine Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:05:19 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Farquharson Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:18:08 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Ferguson Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:36:04 PDT   | Watch this Item

SCOTTISH CASTLE DRUMMOND CLAN 11x17 PHOTOCHROM PRINT COUNTY PERTH SCOTLAND 1616 US $6.95 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:05:39 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Fleming Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:11:02 PDT   | Watch this Item

Shaw Clan Crest Cufflinks Pewter Celtic Scottish New US $30.02 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:11:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Fletcher Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:22:02 PDT   | Watch this Item

Lamont Clan Crest Pewter Cufflinks Celtic Scottish New US $30.02 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:30:41 PDT   | Watch this Item

7 SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER GLASSES SCOTLAND CLANSMEN TARTAN KILTS TUMBLER CLAN GLASS US $89.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:34:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE 1931 SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH / BADGE "STAND SURE" ANDERSON US $15.02 (5 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

Motto: Aut agere aut mori (Either action or death)
Lands: Kincardineshire and Aberdeenshire
Origin of Name: Placename from Berkeley, England

Associated Names and Septs (with spelling variations):
Barckley Barckly Barclay Barclay Barclay Barclaye Barclet Barclye Barcula Barculay Barkla Barklaw Barklay Barkley Berclay Bercley Bercula Berkele Berkeley Berklaw Towie Towy

History

The Barclays came to Gloucestershire from France during the Norman Conquest. Originally, their name was spelt ‘de Berchelai’, which may be the Anglo-Saxon spelling of ‘beau’ (beautiful) and ‘lee’ (meadow or field). Further more, there was a prepondency of the first names Roger and Ralph among the early Gloucester settlers.

The Earls of Berkeley built Berkeley castle in Gloucestershire as a fortress in 1153. It was to acquire infamy in 1327 when Edward II was imprisoned and murdered by his Queen.

Early in the 12th century Theobald de Berkeley settled in the North East of Scotland, and this branch of the family settled in Towie, Mathers, Gartley and Pierston in Aberdeenshire, though principally at Mathers. It was this estate that Alexander Barclay acquired on marrying the sister of the Great Marischal of Aberdeen in 1351.

The Barclays played a leading role in the Wars of Independence.

Walter de Berkeley was Chamberlain of Scotland in 1165, and this high office meant a close relationship with his royal master, William the Lion. Sir David Barclay was a close associate of Robert the Bruce and was present at most of his battles including Methven, where he was taken prisoner.

In the mid-seventeenth century Sir David Barclay acquired the estate of Urie, near Stonehaven in Kincardineshire (Aberdeen), on his return from the Thirty Years War. He had attained the status of Colonel as a professional soldier who served in the armies of Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden. Officially he retired in 1647, though this was not to a peaceful retirement, for in the following year (1648) Colonel Barclay took up arms for Charles I. He served as a Scottish representative to London under the rule of Cromwell.

The Restoration of 1660, however, saw a reversal of his personal fortunes.

He was committed prisoner to Edinburgh castle upon charge of hostility to the government that stemmed from his support for Charles I, although he was soon liberated through the influence of powerful allies made during the civil war. This period of confinement saw the genesis of another important facet of Barclay history – David Barclay was converted to the Quaker faith, or the ‘Society of Friends’, by the Laird of Swinton. Such was the extent of the family’s conversion that David’s son, Robert Barclay (b.1648), published a Quaker tract in 1675 called:

‘An Apology for the true Christian Divinity as the same is held forth and preached by the people called in scorn Quakers’. ‘ This repudiated his education at the Scots College in Paris that was firmly Catholic.

Beside strong links with the Quaker faith, the Barclay history is also notable for the strong shipping and trade links established with Europe.

Scottish Gifts Erskine Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:05:19 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Farquharson Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:18:08 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Ferguson Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:36:04 PDT   | Watch this Item

SCOTTISH CASTLE DRUMMOND CLAN 11x17 PHOTOCHROM PRINT COUNTY PERTH SCOTLAND 1616 US $6.95 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:05:39 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Fleming Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:11:02 PDT   | Watch this Item

Shaw Clan Crest Cufflinks Pewter Celtic Scottish New US $30.02 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:11:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Fletcher Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:22:02 PDT   | Watch this Item

Lamont Clan Crest Pewter Cufflinks Celtic Scottish New US $30.02 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:30:41 PDT   | Watch this Item

7 SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER GLASSES SCOTLAND CLANSMEN TARTAN KILTS TUMBLER CLAN GLASS US $89.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:34:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE 1931 SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH / BADGE "STAND SURE" ANDERSON US $15.02 (5 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

Motto: Pro patria (For my country)
Origin of Name: Royal Standard Bearer

Associated Names and Septs (with spelling variations):

History

Bannerman shares something with other Scottish names such as Armstrong and Turnbull in that it relates to an event that in early history. Sometime during the late 11th and early 12th century, within the reign of either Malcolm III or Alexander I the Kings forces had assembled on the banks of the Spey where a rebel army had gathered on the other side. The Spey is a fast flowing river at the best of times and the rebels felt safe as the waters rose. The King was advised to wait until the river subsided before crossing to meet the rebel army. However the sight of the rebels so incensed the king that he took off into the river to meet them. The king’s chamberlain, Sir Alexander Carron realised that the king was in danger and rode after him with the royal standard. on seeing the standard being carried across the river the rest of the Kings army followed across and defeated the rebels. As a reward for his quick thinking and bravery Sir Alexander Carron was made hereditary Standard Bearer to the King. His descendants still bear the privilege and carry the Scottish royal banner at appropriate ceremonies.

David II granted the Bannerman family the land of Clyntrees, Waterton and Welltown in 1367. The family was later granted land west of Aberdeen in 1370 by the Abbott of Kinloss.

Towards the end of the 16th Century the North East of Scotland was the scene for intense clan feuds between the Gordons and Forbes. The Bannermans were caught in the middle of this bitter conflict and at first took sides with Clan Forbes. However in 1608 Margaret Bannerman married George Gordon of Haddo son of Sir John Gordon. Sir John was a loyal supporter of King Charles I and was executed for opposing the National Covenant. Alexander Bannerman of Pitmedden also supported the King and almost lost his estates during the civil war. His fortunes improved in the restoration when Charles II named Sir Alexander Bannerman a Baronet of Nova Scotia for his loyalty in 1682. Alexander’s son Patrick supported the Stuarts during the first Jacobite uprising, aligning himself with the ‘Old Pretender’ James Francis Edward Stuart. James VIII knighted Alexander in 1715 but his support for the Jacobites led him to be sentenced to death when the uprising failed. Fortunately he escaped to France.

Despite this the Bannermans supported the young pretender, Charles Edward Stewart when he arrived in Scotland. Sir Alexander, son of the second baronet joined the Jacobites at Stirling in 1745 with 160 men and stayed with the Prince till Culloden, fleeing after the battle he made his way north and then to France. In the climate that followed Sir Alexander Bannerman, fourth Baronet, was forced to sell the Elsick estates due to their jacobite connections. The estates were returned to the family in 1851 when Sir Alexander Bannerman, previously Governor of the Bahamas acquired them.

Sir Campbell Bannerman was the Liberal Prime Minister from 1905 to 1908. He was made Prime Minister in 1905 by Edward VII, after the resignation of Arthur Balfour. He was responsible for the appointments to the cabinet of Herbert Asquith and David Lloyd George two of the countries best known prime ministers. Asquith succeeded him in 1908 and he died just a few days later

John Bannerman was a legendary Rugby player and was capped for Scotland 39 times. He was made a life peer as Lord Bannerman of Kidonan in 1967 and died in 1969

The thirteenth Baronet served in the Cameron Highlanders. He became a Russian interpreter, and after his military career he taught at Gordonstoun and Fettes College in Edinburgh. His son is the present chief.

Scottish Gifts Erskine Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:05:19 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Farquharson Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:18:08 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Ferguson Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:36:04 PDT   | Watch this Item

SCOTTISH CASTLE DRUMMOND CLAN 11x17 PHOTOCHROM PRINT COUNTY PERTH SCOTLAND 1616 US $6.95 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:05:39 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Fleming Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:11:02 PDT   | Watch this Item

Shaw Clan Crest Cufflinks Pewter Celtic Scottish New US $30.02 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:11:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Gifts Fletcher Clan Crest Crystal Shot Glass US $25.11 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:22:02 PDT   | Watch this Item

Lamont Clan Crest Pewter Cufflinks Celtic Scottish New US $30.02 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:30:41 PDT   | Watch this Item

7 SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER GLASSES SCOTLAND CLANSMEN TARTAN KILTS TUMBLER CLAN GLASS US $89.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 9:34:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE 1931 SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH / BADGE "STAND SURE" ANDERSON US $15.02 (5 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:00 PDT   | Watch this Item