The name Weir derives from the Norman ‘Vere’ and the name is now commonly found in Lanarkshire and other parts of Scotland. The first person of this name mentioned in Scottish history is a Radulphus de Vere in the 12th century. He was a son of Aubrey, 1st Earl of Oxford who joined the Flemish […]
Wardlaw Places: Balmule House, Fife. Newer house with part of the original tower house incorporated – built by Wardlaw of Balmule. Pitreavie Castle, Fife – Also built by the Wardlaws of Balmule.
Maule Clan Crest Crest Description: A dragon vert spouting fire at both ends, Proper Maule Coats of Arms A note on Coats of Arms: Under Scottish heraldic law a coat of arms is awarded to an individual (with the exception of civic or corporate arms) . There is no such thing as a ‘family coat […]
The name Melville originates from Normandy, where Guillaume de Maleville was a companion of William, Duke of Normandy. Guillaume fought at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The family settled in Scotland during the reign of David I, where they were granted lands in Midlothian. During the 12th century, under the reign of Malcolm IV, […]
Clan Bannerman Crest Worn by all of the name and ancestry Crest Description: A demi man in armour holding in his right hand a sword, Proper Clan Bannerman Coat of Arms A note on Coats of Arms: Under Scottish heraldic law a coat of arms is awarded to an individual (with the exception of civic […]
‘Dun deas’ in Gaelic means ‘south fort’. The Dundas family occupied lands on the southern shores of the Firth of Forth near Edinburgh. The family is thought to have descended from Helias, son of Hutred, a younger son of Gospatrick, Prince of Northumberland. The families of Dunbar and Moncreiff also descend from this stock. Records […]
Clan Crawford People Thomas Crawford of Jordanhill The seemingly impenetrable Dumbarton Castle remained in the hands of the supporters of Mary, Queen of Scots longer than any other castle save Edinburgh. It was only when Thomas Crawford of Jordanhill commanded a spectacular and risky assault that the castle was taken. Clan Crawford Places Craufurdland Castle […]
Newton Tartans There is no registered tartan for Newton – this is the most appropriate tartan Edinburgh District
The name Mercer comes from the French word mercier. It is a name of occupational origin, referring to someone who is a merchant in textiles or cloth. Two charters were witnessed by William Mercer or le Mercer for the Abbey of Kelso, in or around 1200. In 1244, Aleumnus Mercer, along with twenty-three others, was […]
Clan Watson Places: Aberdour Castle – Fife. Occupied by Robert Watson of Muirhouse untill 1791 – now in the care of historic Scotland. Pitcruvie Castle – Fife – owned by the Watsons in 17th c Clan Watson People: George Watson, (1654 – 1723) Famous Scottish Accountant and founder of George Watson’s College. Born in Scotland, […]
