Clans
BILSLAND HISTORY
As part of the tenancy agreement,the tenant could be called to arms to support the landowner (Laird).
CLAN WALLACE
In 1160,lands in Ayrshire were granted to Richard Walensis by the High Steward of Scotland.The lands were named after him Richards town(Riccarton).His grandson,Adam Walays, had two sons,the eldest of whom succeeded to the family estates in Ayrshire.
Malcolm,Adams younger son,received Elderslie and Auchinbothie in Renfrewshire.Malcolm was the father of the great Scottish patriot,Sir William Wallace.
Malcolm Wallace and his eldest son Andrew were executed in 1296 by Edward I Of England for refusing to submit to him.
By 1297 Wallace had gathered support to start a guerilla campaign against the English.
His greatest victory came later that year at Stirling Bridge against over whelming odds.He was later Knighted and made Guardian of Scotland.
later to be Betrayed in Glasgow by A friend.
In 1305 he was sentenced to death, dragged through the streets of London hung, drawn,then quartered this body was then sent to the four quarters of the country as a warning.
Scotland rallied to Robert the Bruce who was crowned King Of Scotland In 1306. After 6 previous battle attempts he had his victory in Bannockburn in 1314.
With Scotland's new freedom Robert I granted lands to his supporters, Sir Robert Boyd who was granted lands in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire.
Cunningham supported Robert the Bruce.
Drummond was granted lands in Perthshire
CLAN BOYD sept of CLAN STEWART
Lord Boyd was one of the first to join Mary Queen of Scots at Hamilton, and fought at the battle of Langside in 1567
Lord Boyd was created Earl of Kilmarnock in 1661.
The fourth Earl was a Jacobite who joined Bonnie Prince Charlie and fought at the battle of Culleden the last battle to take place on British soil. He was captured and taken to the Tower of London and was beheaded on Tower Hill in 1746.
The aftermath of Culloden lead to the Clan system to be abolished and the wearing of tartan illegal.
CLAN CUNNINGHAM
Hervy de Cunningham, son of the laird of kilmaurs,
fought for Alexander III against the Norse at the battle of Largs in 1263.
Sir William Cunningham was created Lord kilmaurs in 1462 and later Earl of Glencairn.
The 5th Earl rose against Mary Queen of Scots,and was one of the commanders at the battle of Carbery Hill in 1657.
The 9th Earl was a Royalist who supported Charles II bid to gain his fathers throne. He meet with several Highland Chiefs and with a body of fighting men , took possesion of Elgin in 1654.The rising was a failure but the Earl escaped with his life.
With the Restoration of Charles II in 1660 the Earl was made Lord Chancellor of Scotland.
CLAN MONTGOMERY
Robert Mongomery obtained the lands of Eaglesham in Renfrewshire.
The 7th Baron of Eaglesham, was one of the heroes at the battle of otterburn in 1388, capturing Sir Henry Percy,the renowned Hotspur.The ransom paid for Hotspur went into building polnoon castle.
Sir John's grandson,Alexander,was created Lord Montgomery around 1449.
Hugh,the 3rd Lord Montgomery,supported Prince James in rebellion against his father,James III,and fought at the battle of Sauchieburn in 1488.
In 1507, Lord Montgomery was created Earl of Eglinton. He escaped the carnage of Flodden in 1513 and part of the parliment in Perth to proclaim the infant James V king.
The 3rd Earl was a strong supporter of Mary Queen of Scots in 1568 and fought at the battle of Langside,where he was taken prisoner. He was declaired guilty of treason he remained unrepentant untill 1571, when he was convinced to accept James VI.
CLAN MACAULAY sept of CLAN MACGREGOR
The Macaulay seat was based in Dumbartonshire near Loch Lommond.
Whether the connection between the Macgregors and the Macaulays was one of descent or not,they became closely connected,and a bond of man rent was entered into on 27 may 1591 between Macgregor of Glen Strae and the Laird of Ardincaple.
Macaulay acknowleged the superiority of Macgregor and agreed to pay him tribute in cattle.
Macaulays connection with the Macgregors lead them to take part in the feuds between the Colquhoun and the Macgregor,but the protection of the Earl of Lennox seems to have relieved the Macaulay from the consequeneces which fell so heavily on the Macgregors.
The Macaulays were certainly keen to renounce any connection with the Macgregors when then the family were declaired out law,and Ardincaple was required to find surety for the good behaviour of his clan in 1610.
CLAN DRUMMOND
Clan Drummond is connected with the parish of Drymen.
James Drummond The 2nd Duke was one of the first to join in the Jacobite risings of 1715. He was responsible for a daring plan to seize Edinburgh Castle and commanded Jacobite horse at the battle of Sheriffmuir.
The 3rd Duke joined Bonnie Prince Charlie on his arrival at Perth in September 1745. He followed the Prince into England and captured Carlisle. At the battle of Culleden the Duke commanded the left flank, after the defeat of the Jacobite forces he was forced to flee. He died on passage to france in 1746.
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