Analysis of the Petition of Arms for Major Donald MacLaren, which is in San Serif Italics typeface. My comments are placed below each Petition Item. The dates of individuals lives come from The MacLarens by Margaret MacLaren
UNTO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE LORD LYON KING OF ARMS.
The Petition of Major DONALD MacLAREN of MacLAREN AND ACHLESKINE in the Earldom of Strathearn and County of Perth, CHIEF OF THE NAME OF MacLAREN, as Heir Male and Representative of the ancient House of Achleskine, HEAD OF THE CLAN LABHRAN.
Humbly Sheweth:
1. THAT the Petitioner, as hereinafter shewn, is the heir male and representative of the ancient House of Achleskine, Chiefs of the Name of MacLaren and hereditary Heads of the Clan Labhran; AND THAT the said Clan Labhran throughout its history has been centred on Achtoo within Achleskine in Balquhidder, in the ancient earldom of Strathearn.
Wester, Middle and Easter Auchtubh are not “within” Auchleskine, that is a false statement made repeatedly in the Petition. In fact the phrase ‘lands of Achleskine’ was coined by the petitioners wife Margaret MacLaren in the manuscript for The MacLarens, History of Clan Labhran, that was published in 1960. MacLaren does not cite any contemporaneous primary sources to support her description of the properties lying between Loch Earn and Loch Voil as the “lands of Achleskine”.
“The lands of Achleskine, the duchus of the chiefs, are invaribly omitted. The lands of Achleskine, Achleskine itself, Tulloch, Lembar, Lechnascridan, with the mill, the Kirktin, the three Achtows (wester, middle and easter), Cuilt and Drumness, formed a distinct unit and the fact that they were separated from the rest of the lordship perhaps implies that the rights of the chief were recognized at least for a time.”
The MacLarens, History of Clan Labhran by Margaret MacLaren, pg. 44
The concept of “lands of Achleskine” was repeated in 2012 by Neil McLaurin in Creag an Tuirc, A Social History of the Clan Labhran, where he does not cite a contemporaneously ancient primary source, instead he cites The MacLarens, 1960.
“In earlier times Auchleskine was a name given to a much larger area including Achtow. According to MacLaren (1960), the chief house of the Clan Labhran resided in Achtow and Achleskine.” Creag an Tuirc, A Social History of the Clan Labhran pg.115
In 1480, Balquhidder was divided between William Stewart and Colin Campbell, 1st Earl of Argyll. William Stewart was married to Colin Campbell 1st of Glenurcy’s daughter Marion Helen Campbell, who was also the Earl of Argyle’s niece, so it was still all in the family.
The Excequer Rolls itemized Balquhidder properties into individual fermtouns, Innerlochlain. Inuerreoch. Mnnochilmoir. Monochill-dischrach. Cragraw. Laidereich. Invementy. Monochlll-tnrach. Morillgain. Stronvair. Dalnnlngane. Lennach. Innertowin. Dalquhappagnch. Cragyntulye. Cragintoar. Gnrochre. Gartnnfoir. Stronislnny. Ardbeith. Glenogle, etc. Inuerumble. Fasñair. Videnamble. Gersplace. Daliamble. Qunrteron. Latir. Auchnnvy.
“Summa totnlis dominii de Buchquhiddir,jcxx ii. Que terre de Bowquhiddir, exceptìs viginti libratis que sunt in manibus Colini comitis de Argile et iiijor marcatís terrarum de Innerlochlanis,”
"The sum total of the lordship of Buchquhiddir, 120 pounds. These are the lands of Bowquhiddir, except for twenty pound-lands which are in the hands of Colin, the Earl of Argyle, and four mark-lands of Innerlochlanis"
Appendix. Rentalia Domini Regis. Index in Libros Resposium. Vol. 9 pg. 566
It is my opinion that the ‘twenty pound-lands’ are the common pasture adjoining Cuilt, the three Auchtubhs, Ackleskine and Kirkton of Balquhidder. It is also my opinion that ‘Innerlochlanis’, is the land between the lochs Earn and Voil, that includes Edinchip, Cuilt, East, Middle and West Auchtubh, Auchleskine, Kirkton, Lednacredan, and Tulloch. I asked Dr. McWhannell, his thoughts on "Innerlochlandis" to me gives Gaelic "Inbhir"=confluence of waters or mouth of a river and Scots "lochlandis" =loch lands ( "is" is a plural ending in Scots).
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| https://www.scottish-places.info/features/featuremap10009.html |
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| Roy Map |
In 1511, James IV grants the Innerlochlanis properties with the common pasture, once held by the Earl of Argyle, to John Ross of Craigy.
[Jas IV grants to John Ros] terras de Auahxnleskane, Tullochlembar Lakenscredane cum molendino [Leacann Sgridain+ BQR], le Kirktoun le thre Auchttowis r Cowill [Guilt BQR) , Drumnes [BLF?] [which the grantee's father John Ros of Craigie [PER] had resigned] 1511 {JRMS ii no 3668)
In 1558 Ross of Craigy sells the Innerlochlanis properties and common pasture to David Lord Drummond.
“On the 8th January 1558 a charter of confirmation from Francis and Mary, King and Queen of Scotland, confirmed a charter by John Ross of Craigie in favour of David Lord Drummond. This was followed by an agreement of sale by John Ross, to David Lord Drummond, and to Dame Lilias Ruthven his spouse, of the lands of Auchleskine, the Kirkton of Balquhidder, Lednascriden with the mill, the three Achtows, Tulloch, and Cuilt, in the Lordship of Balquhidder. The contract was registered at Perth on the 20th May 1558.”
Auchlesken, Kirktoun de Balquhidder, Lauchin s k r e d e n . , Tulloch, cum tribus Auchintowis, Cowill 1558 {RMS iv no 1331)
“The Drummond Earls of Perth retained the Barony of Balquhidder until its forfeiture in 1746 [34].”
Inv. Drummond Writs. Vol 1. pp. 80 - 86.25/1 S. R. O., 33. Ibid. Vol. I. pp. 80 - 86.25/2 S. R. O., 34. Ibid. Vol. III. p. 16. S. R. O., A Thesis “Highland Settlement Evolution in West Perthshire " James Henderson Stewart, 1986
In 1746 the lands of Innerlochlanis were forfeited to the Crown by the Jacobite Drummond, Duke of Perth.
Balquhidder, Achleskine, Tulloch, Lembar, Lichnascridan, Kirkton, Achtows, Cuilt and Drumness.
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| Figure 1: 1752 Statistical account of forfeited estates |
A primary source, stating that the McLaren clan chiefs lived at Auchleskine, comes from the Stewart of Glenbuckie genealogy dictated by Patrick Stewart (of Ledcreich, Balquhidder) in 1763. Patrick dictated his personal lineage in South Carolina, with the view to correct the errors made by Crawford in his 1710 lineage of the Stuarts.
Patrick Stewart dictated his lineage to his son, Charles Stewart on January 18, 1763, it states that his paternal ancestor Duncan Stewart, 3rd of Glenbuckie married the daughter of an Auchleskine McLaren, the chief of the clan McLaren, circa 1512-1540. This information from Patrick Stewart was mailed to George Crawford in Scotland, then published in George Crawford’s “History of Renfrew” and genealogy of the Stuarts in 1782.
“The following genealogy was written by Charles, son of Patrick, Stuart and under his immediate direction, with a view of correcting some errors which had been committed by Crawford in his history of the Stuart family. This history had been sent by Crawford to Patrick Stuart, then in America, and he, perceiving the error, wrote to have it corrected, but never received a later edition of the work, and for that reason had his own genealogy made out and placed in his large family Bible, where it remained until the death of Ann, daughter of James, Stuart, son of Patrick. The said Ann was married to Edward Tongee, of Cain Acre, S. C. Edward Tongee died without children, and Ann Stuart his wife, married a Gist, of Union county, in the same State, and died without issue. Upon request this ancient paper was sent to the writer of these sheets, the book from which it was taken remaining with the Gist family.
Morgan Brown.
Note. The writer knew Patrick Stuart and his writing, and has no doubt that the paper *sent to him was the original genealogy, and the proper signature of the said Patrick Stuart, whose pedigree it purports to be, and that it was made with his own hand. 12th of March, 1826. Morgan Brown.” “Some Stories of Colonial Families Stuart of South Carolina, The American Historical Registerm Sept, 1894 - Feb., 1895 Ed. Charles H. Browning, 1895
"6th. Alexander was son to Duncan Stuart, of Glenbucky, by his wife McLarin, daughter to McLarin of Achleskin, reckoned then to be chief of that name." Patrick Stewart, Cheraw, South Carolina, 1763
" 1st. Patrick Stuart, of Ledcreich, in Balgheider (Balquhidder), in the Southeast district of Perthshire, and Elizabeth his wife, daughter to Doctor Duncan Menzies, and his wife Margaret, daughter to Robert Menzies (cousin-german to Sir Robert Menzies, of Weem, and grandfather to the present Sir Robert and William Stuart, brother-german to the said Patrick), came in company with six Argyleshire gentlemen and above three hundred common people from Scotland, to Cape Fear, in North Carolina, in the year 1739. "The said Patrick was oldest lawful son to Alexander Stuart, of Ledcreich, and Catharine his wife, daughter to Alexander Stuart, brother to Robert Stuart of Glenogle, predecessor of John Stuart, of Heindfield and Storrer. "
2d. Alexander Stuart, of Ledcreich, was only son to Patrick Stuart, of Ledcreich (who suffered much in the reign of the two kings Charles, and James the Seventh), and to Margaret his wife, daughter to Robert B[uchanan], of Drumlain, cousin-german to the Laird of Lenny. "
3d. Patrick was son to William Stuart, of Ledcreich and Translarry, by Mary his wife, daughter to Duncan MacGregor, cousin to Gregor MacGregor of that Ilk, which family is now extinct. "
4th. William was son of Patrick Stuart, of Glenbucky, by his wife Christian, daughter to Sir John Drummond, of Niganer. "
5th. Patrick was oldest lawful son to Alexander Stuart, of Glenbucky, by his wife Stuart, his own second cousin. This Patrick sold his right and title of Glenbucky to his next brother, Duncan Stuart, second son to the aforesaid Alexander Stuart, and his posterity enjoy the land and title at present. "
6th. Alexander was son to Duncan Stuart, of Glenbucky [born about 1630], by his wife McLarin, daughter to McLarin of Achleskin, reckoned then to be chief of that name. "
7th. Duncan was son to John Stuart, first of Glenbucky, by his wife Buchannan, daughter of Buchannan of McCorthe, predecessor to the Lairds of Ampion, Ochlevy, McCorthe and Dealettes. "
8th. John, first of Glenbucky, was second son of William Stuart, of Baldowran and Balgutheddon, by his lady Campbell, daughter to Sir Colin Campbell, of Glenbucky [and Glenurchy], predecessor to the Earl of Bradalbine. "
9th. William was son to James Stuart, of Baldowran and Balgruidher, by his lady Buckhannon, daughter of Sir Patrick Buckhannon of that Ilk. "
10th. James-Beg, or Sir James-Beg, as he was promiscuously called, was fourth son to Lord James, only surviving son to Murdoch, Duke of Albany, by his lady, daughter of the Earl of Antrims." Patrick Stuart, of Ledcreich.
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| Page 441, Some Stories of Colonial Families Stuart of South Carolina, The American Historical Register Sept, 1894 - Feb., 1895 Ed. Charles H. Browning, 1895 |
2. THAT the Petitioner is married to Margaret Miller, by whom he has an only son, Donald.
3. THAT the Petitioner is the only son of the late Reverend Duncan MacLaren, Minister of Turriff, and Joan Gillieson his wife.
Rev. Duncan MacLaren (1882 - 1926) (The MacLarens)
There is no evidence anywhere of the reverand being a clan chief. He was the 4th son, Minister of Turriff parish in Aberdeenshire. Married Joan Gillieson (1881 - ). Graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1903 with a M.A., University of Edinburgh in 1906 with a Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.)1 He was Minister in 1907 at Turriff, Aberdeenshire http://www.thepeerage.com/p50576.htm#i505753
4. THAT the said Duncan MacLaren was fourth son but in his issue eventual heir male of Donald MacLaren, younger in Achtoo (later in Kirkton of Balquhidder), and Mary Stewart his wife.
Donald MacLaren, younger in Achtoo (1840 – 1913) (The MacLarens)
Which Auchtubh Wester, Middle or Easter? There is no evidence anywhere of Donald being a clan chief. He was the 2nd eldest surviving son - Donald MacLaren died in Turriff. He was married to Mary Stewart 18 Dec. 1872.
Donald MacLaren was a tenant of Sir Malcolm MacGregor of MacGregor, Bart. (1873 - 1879), Edinchip, Lochearnhead, Balquhidder, Scotland. Oowner of 4,050 acres in the shire (including Achtoo), of an annual value of £1131,5s.
5. THAT the said Donald MacLaren was the second but eldest surviving son of Donald MacLaren in Achtoo (the last of Clan Labhran to hold Achtoo within Achleskine, the ancient centre of the clan), and Katherine McDiarmid his wife.
Again, Auchtubh is not in Auchleskine.
Donald MacLaren in Achtoo (1811/13 - 1892) (The MacLarens)
Which Auchtubh Wester, Middle or Easter? There is no evidence anywhere of Donald being a clan chief. He was the eldest son, an he was married to Catherine McDairmid (__ - 1892).
A Donald M’Laren at Achtoo beg, little Achtoo, which is wester Achtoo, and his brother Duncan are written about by the Rev. Peter MacGregor (1818 – 1886), late in the reverends life. In this passage, Donald McLaren is described as an old ploughman for Peter Stuart at Auchtoomore.
“The Gaelic language was, as of old, in use, with the simple and cordial, though slightly ceremonious, Highland manner. The very individuals seemed unchanged. The minister at the manse was the same fine and true gentleman who had shown me much kindness nearly a generation before. At Auchtoo Beg Donald M'Laren was recognised by me half a mile away, just the same man, apparently of the same age, as when in that past age he had flourished as ploughman to Peter Stuart at Auchtoomore. There, too, was his brother Duncan, sauntering, as of old, on the way to his sister's, the minister's widow farmeress of Beannoch Aonghais ("Angus' blessing"). All over there was the sweet pervading sense of quiet.”
Rev. Peter MacGregor, Sir Robert Stout Papers.
Donald in Achtoo Beg was a tenant of Sir John M'Gregor of Macgregor, Edinchip. And it appears that Donald voted in the 1822 election as members of Clan Gregor. The second generation to sign the M”Gregor roster.
In 1822 the clan Gregor election of Sir Evan John Macgregor (1785-1841), 2nd Baronet of Lanrick was held, below are those that voted as members of clan Gregor living in Achtoo. He was the Founder of the Clan Gregor Society in 1822 and obtained royal license to resume the name MacGregor in 1822.
James; labourer; Achtow; (Perthshire);
Gregor; ; Achtow; (Perthshire);
Hugh; labourer; Achto(u) Balquhidder; (Perthshire);
Donald; cooper; Achto(u) Balquhidder; (Perthshire);
John; tenant; Achto(u) Balquhidder; (Perthshire);
Donald; labourer; Achto(u) Balquhidder; (Perthshire);
Duncan; herd; Achto(u) Balquhidder; (Perthshire);
Colin; herd; Achto(u) Balquhidder; (Perthshire);
Gregor; tenant; Achto(u) Balquhidder; (Perthshire);
John; labourer; Achto(u) Balquhidder; (Perthshire);
Dougald; labourer; Achto(u) Balquhidder; (Perthshire);
Petter; labourer; Achto(u) Balquhidder; (Perthshire);
Robert; labourer; Achto(u) Balquhidder; (Perthshire);
Gregor; labourer; Achto(u) Balquhidder; (Perthshire);
Duncan; labourer; Achto(u) Balquhidder; (Perthshire);
Malcom; tenant; Achto(u) Balquhidder; (Perthshire);
Donald; tenant; Achto(u) Balquhidder; (Perthshire);
Dougall; tenant; Achto(u) Balquhidder; (Perthshire);
PD60/897 MacGregor of MacGregor Papers
List of those who signed the Acknowledgement of the Chief of Clan Gregor 1822
6. THAT the said Donald MacLaren in Achtoo was the eldest son of Donald MacLaren in Achtoo and Katherine MacGregor his wife.
Donald MacLaren in Achtoo (1782-____) (The MacLarens)
Which Auchtubh Wester, Middle or Easter? There is no evidence anywhere of Donald being a clan chief. He was the 2nd eldest surviving son and was married to Catherine MacGregor. Achtoo is owned by Sir John Murray of Lanrick, Bart. (cre. 1795), Hereditary Chief of the Gregor clan, https://www.scottish-places.info/towns/townhistory503.html
In 1798 the MacGregor Declaration of Fidelity to Sir John MacGregor Murray of MacGregor Baronet of Lanrick was signed by members of Clan Gregor. It included Donald McLaren at achtou, the first generation MacLaren to sign his name in the Clan Gregor roster.
Duncan;; in Woodend; Perthshire [ac]
Dougall; Innkeeper; Strathyre; Perthshire
John Roy;; in Easter Achtow; Perthshire [ac];
Gregor;; Achtow; Perthshire
Ducan [sic];;Achtow; Perthshire
Robt;; Blarcrich; Perthshire;
Donald; Middil achtou; Perthshire [i]
Gregor;; woodend; Perthshire
Donald;; iomarioch; Perthshire
John;; iomarioch; Perthshire;
John;; achtoumore; Perthshire
Peter;; Drumlich; Perthshire
Malkum; Drumlich; Perthshire
John;; Drumlich; Perthshire
Duncan;; achtou; Perthshire;
Dun[can]; his ordinary mark; Midle Achtou; Perthshire;
Peter; wright and feuar; in Callander; Perthshire
Robert; farmer; Easter achtou; Perthshire
James;; Callander; Perthshire [I]
John Roy/Agnes Dougal Easter Achtu
1798 Balquhidder Parish Records
In the Balquhidder Parish Records Births and Marriages for Achtoo/Achtow/Achtou (1762 – 1821) you will find few of the surname Gregor, which indicates, that those that signed the 1798 Declaration of Fidelity had other surnames like McLaren.
Donald - Malcolm McLaren & Katherine Ferguson W. Achtow Duncan 27 Oct 1762
Neil McLaren & Janet Campbell M. Achtow 31 Aug 1783
Hugh/Mary Ferguson Janet f? Achtu 1789 BPR
Patrick Neil McLaren & Janet Campbell M. Achtow 19 April 1789
John/Elisabeth McEwen Margaret Middle Achtoo 1790 BPR
John Junior /Mary Morison Christian Easter Achtoo1791 BPR
John/Jean Alexander Easter Achtu 1792 BPR
James [son of Alexander Easter Achtu/?Culran]/Sarah [d/o Gregor Gartnafuaran] Gregor f 1792 BPR
John Roy/Ann Alexander Achtumore 1794 BPR
Patrick [son of Duncan Wester Glentearcan]/Mary Ferguson [Achtowmore] Gregor f 1795 BPR
Grigor/Christian McIntyre Janet Middle Achtow 1795 BPR
John/Mary Fisher Mary Achtumore 1794 BPR
John/Agnes Mary Easter Achtu 1796 BPR
John Roy/Agnes Dougal Easter Achtu 1798 BPR
Duncan McLaren & Agnes Anderson M. Achtu 23 Sept 1798
Alexander/Mary McCallum Archibald Middle Achtu 1799 BPR
John Roy/Agnes Christian Easter Achtu [-] 1800 BPR
John/Janet Janet Easter Achtu 1800 BPR
Alexander/Mary McCallum Janet Middle Achtu 1801 BPR
Gregor/Isabel Stewart Dugald Wester Achtu 1802 BPR
John/Janet Hugh Easter Achtu 1802 BPR
John Roy/Agnes Jean Easter Achtu 1802 BPR
Alexander/MaryMcAllum John Middle Achtu 1803 BPR
John Roy/Anne male child Easter Achtu 1804 BPR
Gregor/Isabel Stewart James Wester Achtu [Gregor, father in Auchleskine] 1804 BPR
John/Janet John Easter Achtu 1804 BPR
Alexander/JanetMcAllum Robert Middle Achtu [scored out] 1804 BPR
Hugh/Elisabeth McLaren Donald Middle Achtu 1805 BPR
Alexander/Mary McAllum Mary Middle Achtu 1806 BPR
Hugh/Elisabeth McLaren Peter Middle Achtu1807 BPR
John/Janet Robert Middle Achtu 1807 BPR
Alexander/Mary McCallum Duncan Achtow 1809 BPR
John/Janet Janet Middle Achtou 1810 BPR
Hugh/Elisabeth McLaren John Middle Achtou 1810 BPR
Alexander/Mary McCallum Hugh Middle Achtou 1811 BPR
Hugh/Elisabeth McLaren Hugh Achtou 181 BPR
John/Ann Robertson Janet Auchtow 1813 BPR
John/Janet Margaret Achtu 1813 BPR
Peter/Janet Hugh Auchtoo 1814 BPR
Hugh/Elisabeth McLaren Mary Cuilt 1817 BPR
Gregor/Margaret McAlpin Gregor Middle Auchtoo 1819 BPR
Gregor/Margaret McAlpin Janet Auchtou 1821 BPR
7. THAT the said Donald MacLaren in Achtoo was the second but eldest surviving son of Malcolm MacLaren in Wester Achtoo and Katherine Ferguson his wife.
Malcolm MacLaren in Westar Achtoo (1734 - ____) (The MacLarens)
Which Auchtubh Wester, Middle or Easter? Malcolm was the 4th son, he was married to Catherine Ferguson (____ -____).
In 1756 Malcolm was one of the six cottars listed at Wester Achtow. Malcolm did no have heritable rights to Auchtubh.
In 1746 these lands were forfeited to the Crown by Jacobite Drummond, Duke of Perth.
Balquhidder, Achleskine, Tulloch, Lembar, Lichnascridan, Kirkton, Achtow, Cuilt and Drumness.
At the time of the forfeit, NRS Records show that John Mc Laren in Arveich, Loch Earn had inherited occupancy and Maclaren of Invernenty held that Tack. Neither one of these families are in the Petitioneer’s lineage. The rest of the McLarens at Kirkton, Achleskine, Achtoo and Ledniscriden are tenants, with no heritable rights as shown in the Statistics of the Annexed Estates 1755-1756
8. THAT the said Malcolm MacLaren in Wester Achtoo was the fourth son but eventual heir male of John MacLaren in Wester Achtoo and Mary McIntyre his wife.
John MacLaren in Wester Achtoo (1690-1747/1755) (The MacLarens)
There is no evidence anywhere of John being a clan chief. He was the eldest son and was married to Mary McIntyre.
9. THAT the said John MacLaren in Wester Achtoo was the elder son of Finlay MacLaren in Wester Achtoo, who held there in 1717.
Finlay MacLaren in Wester Achtoo (____ - 1733/1747) (The MacLarens)
There is no evidence anywhere of Finlay being a clan chief. Also, Finlay is not in Daniel’s 1866 Matriculation as claimed by the 1957 Petition.
10. THAT the lands of Achleskine in general formerly comprised the several townships and lands of Wester Achtoo, Middle Achtoo, Easter Achtoo and Achleskine in particular, all of which were held by the chiefly house of MacLaren, who had their own burial place in the kirkyard of Balquhidder separate from the burial places of the cadet houses and following of the Clan Labhran.
At this point, the writer changes the subject from genealogy to traditions.
As shown in Item 1. none of the “lands of Achleskine” were ever “held”, by a chiefly house of MacLaren. At this time in the genealogy, the properties were owned by Lord Drummond and then the Crown, after the 1746 forfeiture.
The oldest grave in the Balquhidder kirkyard is Rob Roy M’Gregor (1671 - 1734). The oldest McLaren grave is John MacLaurin (1717 - 20 Dec. 1788), married to Janet MacGregor (1747–1797). There is no evidence to support the statement that the McLaren chiefs were buried in a special place in the kirkyard, and separate from the cadet houses and followers. Leckine cemetery is the actual McLaren cemetery. There is a map showing where the different families are buried.
11. THAT, doubtless owing to the downfall by forfeiture of the Celtic earldom of Strathearn in the fourteenth century, the Clan Labhran had no feudal confirmation of their ancient patrimony, but nevertheless were not dispossessed of Achleskine, or Achtoo which their principal family held in tack from generation to generation until the death of the Petitioner's said great-grandfather in 1892.
There is no mention of a McLaren in Balquhidder in contemporaneous primary sources until 1512, when Malcum Maklawryn was a tenant in 1512.
“At Stirling, on the first of June in the 512th year [ie 1512]. Innernenty; £6 13s 4d, with the consent of William Stewart who had the same in fee-farm, is now assessed to the underwritten tenants just as is particularized above, that is to say,
To Donald Makyntyr, £5 for two marklands and a half, to be paid in respect thereof annually, with part of the marts,
To John Makyntyr, £5 for two marklands and a half, to be paid in respect thereof annually, with part of the marts,
To Gilbert Makyntyr, £5 for two marklands and a half, to be paid in respect thereof annually, with part of the marts,
To Duncan Makyntyr, 1s for one markland and a 40 shillings land, to be paid in respect thereof annually, with part of the marts,
And to Malcolm Maklawryn, 1s for one markland and a 40 shillings land, With this condition, that the rest of the tenants of the Lord of Buchquhiddir shall have licence to take timber for their necessities, without destruction [of the woodland], And for entry of a new infeudation £40, out of which sum £13 6s 8d is to be paid by the said tenants, and £26 13s 4d by the said William Stewart. (transcribed from Rotuli scaccarii Regum Scotorum Vol. VIII, Pg. 638)
12. THAT Ensigns Armorial of an Achleskine MacLaren cadet, duly differenced as set forth in the Matriculation, were recorded in the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland on 23rd April 1866 in the name of Daniel MacLauren, fifth son but then heir male of John MacLaren in Lichnascridan, who was second son of Duncan MacLaren, styled in Achleskine, younger son of the said Finlay MacLaren in Wester Achtoo.
Finlay MacLaren in Wester Achtoo (____ - ____) see Item 9.
Finlay’s younger son Duncan MacLaren styled in Achleskine
Duncan’s second son was John MacLaren in Lichnascridan
John’s fifth son was Daniel MacLaurin of Auchleskine matriculated Arms 23 April 1866
This keystone individual, tieing the two branches together Finlay MacLaren in Wester Achtoo, father of John MacLaren in Wester Achtoo, Item 8, is not listed in Daniel McLaurin’s Matriculation from 1866.
13. THAT the said Daniel's branch of the House of Achleskine had used the ancient family Arms differenced by a bordure engrailed Gules (namely of the principal colour of the ancestral coat), which Arms were those appropriate only to a second son's line of a younger son's line of the main stock or stem of the Chiefs of the Clan and Name of MacLaren; THAT the said Daniel's father was in fact a second son of a younger son of the Petitioner's forefather, the said Finlay MacLaren in Wester Achtoo (within Achleskine) who held there in 1717; AND THAT the petitioner is thus Head of the senior line to the established armorial branch within the House of Achleskine, which branch bore Arms differenced in such a way as to demonstrate that the said senior line (of which the Petitioner is Head) are Chiefs of their whole Name of MacLaren.
Again, Finlay MacLaren in Wester Achtoo is not in Daniel’s 1866 Matriculation.
Again, Wester Achtoo is not within Auchleskine!
The 1866 Matriculation did not mention a Juinor or Senior Line.
There were no ancient McLaren family arms, they were fabricated by James Logan, from his Earls of Strathearn narrative. The earliest account of the heraldry and the legend that the MacLarens came from a race of mermaids is from 'McIan's Costumes of the Clans of Scotland' by James Logan and Robert McIan, 1846.
14. THAT the said Finlay MacLaren in Wester Achtoo, great-grandfather of the said Daniel and great-great-grandfather to the Petitioner's great-grandfather, was the son of Donald MacLaren in Achleskine, who was the son of Finlay MacLaren in Achleskine wherein a race of MacLarens appear continuously settled, of whom the Head was, early in the sixteenth century, reckoned Chief of the Name of MacLaren; AND THAT in the nineteenth century this House was still referred to as "the Achleskine, or principal branch of the Clan Laurin, claiming the Title of Representative of the Clan".
NEW Donald MacLaren in Auchleskine, Born (____- 1687)(The MacLarens)
NEW Finlay MacLaren in Auchleskine, (_____-1669)(The MacLarens)
15. THAT the Clan Labhran in Balquhidder was certainly represented by a Head or Chief in the years 1594 and 1587, as appears from the Acts of Parliament of those years;
continued.
Both the 1587 and the 1594 Acts of Parliament lists are recording the Clanlaurane in Breadalbane not Balquhidder. This Breadalbane Clanlauren is well documented from 1559 to 1594 in the Black Book of Taymouth and in unpublished Bonds found in The NRS. All of them, are Bonds of manrent and calpes to their clan chief Campbell of Glenurchy.
____________________________________________
November 8, 1559
ARGYLE'S TRANSFERENCE OF THE HOMAGE OF THE CLANLAURANE.
WE Archibald Erie of Ergyle . . . grantis ws to haif gevin ... To our traist cousyng Colyne Campbell of Glenurquhay and his aiiis male the manrent homage and sendee quhilk our predecessouris andwe had and hes of the haill kyn and surname of the Clanlaurane and their posterite togidder with the uptaking of thair calpis . . . prowyding the said Colyne obtene . . . thair consent . . . thair unto . . .
In witnes of the quhilk thyng to thir presentis subscriuit with our hand our propir seill is affixt at the burgh of Sterueling the aucht day of Nouember the yeir of God M v and fifty nyn yeiris befoir thir witnes Johne Campbell off Inuerlevir Johne Corswell persone of Kilmartyne and Andro Quhit. And this we gif for the gud and faythfull sendee that the said Colyne hes done to ws.
ARD. ERGYLL.
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November 21, 1559 at Balloch, Loch Lomond
Alexander McLaurane & uyeris of ye clan Laurane
Vicesimo primo die mensis nove[m]bris a[n]no d[omi]ni millesimo qui[n]ge[ntes]imo qui[n]quagesimo nono
Personalie c[on]stitut[it] Alexr mclaurane Du[n]cane his sone finla mcanevrie Du[n]cane mcnycoll utneill lauchlane mcane utnycoll Du[n]cane mcconachy utanedrew neill mcpatrik utlaurane gillefillane mcconachy utlaurane and patrik mcrory
Of yair awyn[e] motif on compellit or coactit hes electit and chosyn to yame yair aires barnis & ofspring ane honoll ma[n] colyne campbell of gle[n]urq[uha]y and his airis to yair perpetuall cheyf Renu[n]ciand all uyeris In ye [con]trair
Gevand and gra[n]tand for yame yr airis barnis & ofspryng to ye said colyne and his air[is] yair band[is] of manrent and s[er]vice by all persone or personis ye authorite alanerlie except
Togidder wt yair calpis yat is to say ye best brutall In ilkane of yair possessionis re[specti]ve In tyme of yair decess[is] furt of yis p[rese]nt lyf q[uhy]lk[is] yai dispone to ye said colyne and his airis now as yan and yan as now to be lyftit and uptakyn be ye[m] co[n]forme to use and co[n]suetude of ye samy[n]
Bindand and oblissand ye[m] yair airis barnis & ofspryng to be leill trew & afald s[er]va[n]tis to ye said colyne and his airis at yr ut[er]most power
And sall neyir wit heir or [see] ye said colyne or his airis scayt or apperand danger bot sall resist ye samy[n] at yair power and adv[er]teis ye said colyne and his airis yrof
For ye quhilkis ye said colyne bindis & obliss[is] hym & his airis to fortefie ma[n]teine and defend ye forsaidis personis yair airis barnis and ofspring In all and syndrie yair honest and lesu[m] actionis causis and quarellis as law will
And hereto ye sad[is] personis ar bundy[n] & oblissit Sworne upoun ye holy evangellis
Ratu[m] et gratu[m] etc firmu[m] ac stabile etc
Super quibus Id colyn[e] petiit Instr[umentu]m
Act[a] erant hec i[n]fra castru[m] seu fortilit[u]m de balloc hora[m] circit[er] undecima[m] ante meridie[m]
P[rese]ntibus Joa[n]ne Mcavyr Alexandro Mcnab et Willelmo ruthnon[e] testibus vocatis
Ita est Andreas Quhit notarius in premiss[is] requisitus manu sua
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June 3, 1561 at Balloch, Loch Lomond
Bond, Colin Campbell to Clan Lawren, 1561
The copy of ye band giffin to ye clan Lawren
“Be It kend till all me[n] be y[ir] p[rese]nt l[ett]res me colyne campbell of glenurquhay
That forsamekill as ye haill clan and surname of clan lawren for ya[ir] selffis yr airis and barnis hes electit and chosen me and my airis to yr p[er]petuall cheiff and cheiffis in all tymes cu[m]ming” cont.
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May 22, 1573 at Killin Loch Tay
“BOND OF DEFENCE granted by Coline Campbell of Glenorquhaie,
proceeding on the narrative that the whole surname and Clan of the
Clanlawren for them and their heirs had elected him and his heirs to
be their chiefs, and had granted him their bonds of manrent against all
persons, the authority only excepted, and also their Calps ; therefore
taking them under his protection as their chief ; providing that if any
person of the said Clan shall fail in the premises, the matter shall
be tried before the most able persons of the surname,” cont.
Aug 21, 1594 at Finlarig, Loch Tay.
It is very clear that Clanlaurene, or as Dr. D.C.McWhannell refers to as “ganglauren” looked upon Campbell of Glenurchy as their clan chief. Argyles transference indicates, a setting of Argyle Clanlaurane into Breadalbane, replacing whoever was their by fotrce of arms.
1587, “The Roll of the Clannis (in the Hielands and Isles) that hes Captanes, Chieffs, and Chiftanes quhome on they depend. Oft tymes aganis the willis of Thair Landislords: and of sum speciale personis of branchis of the said is Clannes, 1587” Acts of Parliament
Abridged list in order:
Stewartis of Buchquhidder, Clangregour, Clanlawren, Campbells of Lochnell, Campbell of Innerraw
The same year as the “List of Clans and Broken Men Contained In Act of 1594”, is the following bond.
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B, ond, Patrick Mcconill Wiklawrent to Sir Duncan Campbell
1594
Patrick Mcconill Wtewin Wtillecrist Wiklawrent
Bond of manrent and calpe
Be it known to all men by these present letters, Me, Patrick Mcconill Wtewin Wikillecrist Wiklawrent, son to the late Donald Mcewin,
To be bound and obliged, and by the tenor hereof I bind and oblige me, my heirs, offspring and posterity, in true bond of manrent and service,
To one right honourable Sir Duncan Campbell of Glen Urchy, knight, and his heirs,
And in sure token hereof I grant and dispone to them my calpe, and to acknowledge the said Sir Duncan’s house and his heirs with one present once every year,
And for the more security and assurance thereof I oblige me, my heirs and posterity to take plain part with the said Sir Duncan and his heirs against whatsoever person or persons (the authority and master [ie mastership?] of my rooms and possessions only excepted) without any dissimilation or contradiction whatsoever,
And shall never hear, see or understand their apparent harm in body, goods or gear, but shall lawfully and truly advise them thereof, and shall resist the same with all our powers,
And hereunto I bind me, my heirs and posterity, without any fraud or guile.
For the which the said Sir Duncan and his heirs oblige themselves to defend and maintain the said Patrick Mcconill and his heirs in all their actions, causes and quarrels, honest and lawful, and grant to them his bond of maintenance and protection.
In witness of which thing I have subscribed these presents with my hand as follows,
At Finlarig, the 21st of August in the year of God 1594, before these witnesses, Patrick Mcillecrist in Laggan in Eddergoll[?], William Barrone alias Menzeis and Finlay Mcustalker (1559 m'Gregor Bond), servitor to the said Sir Duncan.
It is as is aforesaid. Gavin Hamilton, Notary Public, by the order of the said Patrick Mcconill, he not knowing how to write.”
List of Clans and Broken Men Contained In Act of 1594
" For Punisement of thift, reif, oppressioun, and sorning " (1594, c. T,y, Act. Pari. Scot., vol. iv., p. 71). The preamble, so far as relating to the Highlands, is as follows : —
Oure Soverane Lord and his estaitis in this present Parliament, considering that, nochtwithstanding the sindrie actis maid be his Hienes, and his maist nobill progenitouris, for punischment of the authoris of thift, reiff oppressioun, and sorninf, and masteris and sustenaries of thevis ; yet sic hes bene, and presentlie is, the barbarous cruelties and daylie heirschippis of the wickit thevis and lymmaris of the clannis and surenames following, inhabiting the Hielands and lies ; Thay ar to say : —
Abridged list in order
Clangregour, Clanfarlane, Clanlawren, Clandowill, Clandonochie.”
15 continued. THAT Finlay McNeill VcLaurence in Achleskine appears on record in 1586; THAT the said House of Achleskine did, according to family tradition, hold its lands of Achleskine (including Achtoo) from a period long anterior to the fourteenth century, when the three sons of the then Chief were traditionally progenitors of the MacLaren Houses of Achleskine, Stank and Bruach; AND THAT the said three sons are understood to have been John, Donald and Anichol, sons of Malcolm who, according to the genealogy of Clan Labhran given in the Gaelic MS. of 1467, was fourth in descent from the Celtic abbot of Achtus (that is, Ach-tuas or Achtoo within Achleskine in Balquhidder, still held by the Petitioner's family until 1892) which abbot's name may be inferred from the heading of the said genealogy to have been Laurence, as tradition confirms, as also that he was the eponymous ancestor of the Clan Labhran and its stem family, the ancient House of MacLaren of Achleskine, whom the Petitioner now represents as set forth.
IMPORTANT There is no lineage connection demonstrated between Finlay MacLaren in Auchleskine who died in 1669 (Item 14), and this Finlay McNeil VcLaurene in Achleskine, in 1586. Whose father Neil signs a Bond of Manrent to Campbell of Glenurchy in 1558, in Balquhidder.
Again, Auchtubh is not included in Auchleskine!
1586, Finlay Makneill V'Laurent in Auchaliskin - The following Bond of Manrent over the murder of John Makolchallum by Alester Stewart of Glenbuckie is, according to the MacLaren Petition, signed by the MacLaren clan chief from the “House of Auchleskine”, Finlay Makneill V'Laurent in Auchaliskin in Balquhidder, the last man to sign.
BOND OF MANRENT by Alester Stewart in Glenbokie in Buchquhidder,
Patrik, Duncane, Robert, James, Johne, and Walter Stewartis his sons, James Stewart in Glenfinglas, Johne, Duncane and Alester Stewartis his sons, Walter Stewart in Balliefoyille and Robert Stewart his son, Johne Dow Stewart son to Patrik Stewart in Dallie- laggane (Glenbuckie) to Duncane Campbell of Glenurquhay and his heirs, and that because a certain number of them had upon suddantie slain Johne Makolchalluin Comrie (A. 1559 Balq. Bond) who and his forbears was kynd mynd and ser vants to the said Duncane Campbell of Glenurquhay and his predecessors ; they, being maist willing to repair his honour, bind them severally, to give him and his heirs a free gift of the best audit at the time of their decease, which is called a Calp, besides that due to the Earls of Argyle, and to be true men and servants to him and his against all persons, the authority the Earls of Argyle and the masters of their mailings lands and steadings alone excepted, and to be ready to them in hosting and hunting when required, and to supply reasonable help, according to their power, in any honourable turn tending to the relief of lands or otherwise for the honour of the said Duncane Campbell's house and furtherance of the same :
Evin Dow Campbell of the Likkis
Johne Roy Makinstalker in Cranduycht
Archebald Campbell fiar of Monze
James Campbell apparent of Laweris
Johne Hendrysone
Donald Makrobert in Candroquhat
Johne Makindewer in Portbane
Patrik M'Robert V'Laurent in the Port at the east end of Locherne
and Donald Maklaurene in Dalbeyich
and Finlay Makneill V'Laurent in Auchaliskin in Balquhidder witnesses. At Illanrane 28 April 1586.”
Black Book of Taymouth
Johne Makolchallum (V’Laurent) the deceased, was the probable headman of the V’Laurent kindred in Balquhidder, as he was the first to sign the Bond of Manrent to Campbell of Glenurchy dated March 11, 1559 (see Item 15). Johne was also heir apparent of Malcum Maklawryn, tenant at Invernenty, Balquhidder in 1512. The first recorded McLaren in Balquhidder (see Item 11).
At this point the petition SKIPS at least three generations from a birth circa 1670 to Finley M’Neill V’Laurence in Auchleskine in a 1586 Bond. See Item 14. above for the 1586 Bond.
Johne Makolchallum (V’Laurent) the deceased in the 1586 Bon, was the probable chief of the V’Laurent kindred dwelling in Balquhidder, as he was the first to sign a Bond of Manrent to Colin Campbell of Glenurchy dated March 11, 1559. Johne was also the son of Malcum Maklawryn who was a tenant at Invernenty, Balquhidder in 1512.
Finlay Makneill V'Laurent’s father Neil, is also listed in the 1559 Bond, there is no indication that he is the clan chief. The title of the 1559 Bond describes who the Balquhidder V’Laurent kindred chief was. It was not Neil Mclauranes or his brothers who are listed several lines below John Mcolcallum Vclaurane. They are listed in order of importance within the V’Laurent Kindred.
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John Mcolcallum Vclaurane and others of the clan Laurane
On the eleventh day of the month of March in the one thousand five hundred and fifty ninth year of our Lord, there appeared personally,
John Mcolcallum Vclaurane, Laurane Mcolcallum his brother, Malcolm the elder and Malcolm the younger Mcolcallum Vclauranis brother to the said John,
Johne Mcpatrik Vclaurane, Neil and John Mclauranes his brothers,
Nicol Mcallyne Vclaurane,
Donald Mcneill Vclaurane,
John Mcnycoll Vclaurane,
Lauchlane Mcane Vcnycoll,
Malcolm Mcane Vcnycoll, Dugall his brother,
Duncan Mccoule Vclaurane,
John the elder, John the younger, Archibald, Robert, Walter, Donald and Malcolm brother [ie brothers?] to the said Duncan Mccoule Vclaurane,
Patrick Mcewyn Vclaurane, Duncan his son,
Patrick Mcconachy VcLaurane,
Robert Mcane Vclaurane, and Ewan Mcgillet’ Vclaurane
dwelling in Balquhidder,
[And] of their own motivation, not compelled or coerced, [they] have elected and chosen an honourable man, Colin Campbell of Glen Urquhart, and his heirs, as perpetual master and chief to them, their heirs, children and offspring, renouncing all others to the contrary,
Giving and granting, and for them, their heirs, children and offspring, to the said Colin and his heirs, their bonds of manrent and service by all person or persons, the authority only excepted,
Together with their calpes, that is to say, the best property of one brutal beast being in their possessions, and each of them respectively, at the time of their deceases forth of this present life, which the said persons, and each of them respectively, their heirs, children and offspring, now as then and then as now, dispone to the said Colin and his heirs, to be lifted and taken up by them in conformance with the use of the same,
Binding and obliging them, their heirs, children and offspring to be loyal, true and honest servants to the said Colin and his heirs to their utmost power, Bond, John Mcolcallum VcLaurane and others,
And shall neither hear, see nor know the said Colin or his heirs harm or peril, but shall advise them thereof and resist the same at their power.
For the which the said Colin binds and obliges himself and his heirs to fortify, maintain and defend all and sundry the persons above written, their heirs, children and offspring in all and sundry their just and lawful actions, causes or quarrels as the law allows.
And hereto the said persons are bounden and obliged, sworn upon the holy evangelists.
Concerning which the aforenamed Colin sought an instrument.
These things were done near Litlas of Loch Earn, on the western side of the same, around the eleventh hour before noon,
These being present,
Alexander Stewart, (Glenbuckie, John Mcolcallum Vclaurane’s murderer)
William Mcneill Utewyn,
Gillefillane Mclaurane, (Campbell Servitor in Breadalbane Clanlaurane)
John Mcgillespy Vcnab,
Finlar McAne Voill,
William Malcolm Mccoule Keir, (clan Gregor chief)
Malcolm Mcrobart, (Campbell Servitor in Breadalbane Clanlaurane)
Gillet’st Mcyntallur Moir
and Duncan Mcmoreist Vccauys.
So it is. Andrew Quhit, Notary required [to act] in the premises, in his own hand etc.
Gaelic MS of 1467
Modern rereads of MS: 1467 by Ronnie and Mairi Black clearly shows that the Genealogy of Clan Labhran described in Item 15, is actually that of the McLaverty clan on the west coast of Scotland and not McLarens at all. So, the Abbot of Achtus, John, Donald and Anichol the Young never existed in Balquhidder. http://www.1467manuscript.co.uk/kindred%2010.html
“The father of Labhrann is given as Tormod – a Norse name, nothing to do with the MacLarens or with Strathearn. Another problem with identifying this kindred as the MacLarens is their geographical location in Perthshire, far from the territories in Argyll and further north which appear to be the focus of the 1467 MS (the lands claimed by the Lords of the Isles and Earls of Ross). In 1467 the MacGregors were still exclusively associated with Argyll – their eastward advance came later. Just as the MacLarens’ appearance in Appin (Argyll) came later.
I’m afraid the MacLarens are the big losers of modern scholarship on the 1467 MS. Skene thought kindred no. 10, which I describe as “MacLaverty?”, was the MacLarens. I beg to differ. My late friend John Bannerman agreed that no. 10 was more likely to be a western kindred but protested that “the MacLaverties weren’t IMPORTANT”. I am not so sure that you had to be important to be included in these genealogies. The MacLeods were important, and they were left out. I think it’s pretty idiosyncratic. My guess is that the author was from Kintyre, and was particularly interested in Kintyre pedigrees. Like MacLerans and MacLavertys.
With best wishes
Ronnie Black”
Catalogue of Gaelic Manuscripts in the National Library of Scotland © Ronald Black, 2011Adv. MS 72.1.1 (Gaelic MS I). ‘1467 MS’ and 'Broad Book'
It should be noted that many of Beaton’s vellum manuscripts were in Tiree in 1700 (ibid., p. 37) and that Mackinnon (Cat., p. 309) identified a Gaelic genealogy of the MacDonalds seen in Professor Colin MacLaurin’s possession in 1743, having been brought from Tiree by one of the latter’s forebears (GUL ms MacLagan 122), as Adv. ms 72.1.1, f. 1. However, the transcript made by Beaton into TCD ms 1363 argues against this identification, and although of a family not unconnected with Gaelic literary tradition (see Campbell and Thomson, op. cit., p. 11), MacLaurin’s interest in the subject appears to have been a growing consciousness of his background rather than as possessor of a cultural inheritance. As the Rev. David Malcolm of Duddingston expressed it, MacLaurin seems to be taken with the Love of Antiquity, to that Degree, that if he goes on as he has begun, he will be one of the foremost Antiquaries of the Age, as he is already, by some of the best Judges I know, reputed the first Mathematician. He is now more and more sensible of an Advantage he had by his Birth that Way, and, without Doubt, he will go on to cultivate and improve it’ (An Essay on the Antiquities of Great Britain and Ireland (1738, repr. Los Angeles 1970), p. 11 of section beg. ‘ A LETTER to Archimedes the old Caledonian’)
A founding figure of the Edinburgh Enlightenment, MacLaurin had reconstituted the Edinburgh Medical Society into the ‘Society for Improving Arts and Sciences’, better known as the Philosophical Society, for which see Steven Shapin, ‘Property, Patronage, and the Politics of Science: The Founding of the Royal Society of Edinburgh’, in The British Journal for the History of Science 7 (London 1974), pp. 1–41: 7–11. Its minutes are not extant, but at p. 3 of the section of his book entitled ‘Some more PAPERS, And some more Testimonies of the Learned’, Malcolm prints the following extract under the title ‘Edinburgh, 7th March 1738. No. 2. About an ancient Manuscript containing a most ancient Genealogy of our Kings’.
Mr. MacLaurin presented to the Society from the Reverend Mr. Malcolme an old Irish Manuscript, which seems to have been writ in the Time of David, Son of Malcom Kanmore, that is, about 1140. The first Column contains the Genealogy of King David upwards till three Generations before Fergus I. It appears to be two Generations older than the Colbertine Manuscript that formerly belonged to Lord Burleigh, and begins from David’s Grandson, which is commonly held to be the oldest extant. This Manuscript agrees better with the Colbertine, than the latter Accounts given by Boetius, and others, but differs from it in the Order of some of the Kings; sometimes it wants Kings mentioned in that Manuscript, and it has some the other wants. According to this Manuscript there were 51 Generations from David to Fergus I. and 33 from Fergus I. to Fergus II.
After the Genealogy of our Kings, are the Genealogies of some noted Clans, or Families, of which some seem to be Irish, as Macguaire, who was King of Connaught.
Towards the latter End of the Manuscript are some Discourses, De Oratione, Confessione, Compunctione, Timore, &c.
This is a clear description of the 1467 ms, noting as it does the pedigrees of David I ( 1 r a1) and MacQuarrie ( 1 va1) and the extracts from the ‘Liber Scintillarum’ ( 7 r a8). The ‘Broad Book’ is plainly not included. It seems likely, however, that Adv. ms 72.1.1 as a whole had been obtained by Malcolm from some such source as Freebairn, the Edinburgh bookseller who sold Adv. ms 18.2.11 and other manuscripts to the Advocates’ Library in March 1736. The gift was part of a concerted effort by Malcolm to gain public recognition for his philological studies. It was presumably followed by the ‘Broad Book’. The Philosophical Society fell into temporary abeyance due to the ’45 and MacLaurin’s death the following year, and it is doubtless at this point, if not earlier, that the manuscript entered the safe-keeping of the Advocates’ Library. The Keeper, Ruddiman, was a member of the Society, and it is worthy of note that in any case when it was eventually subsumed into the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1782–83, it was proposed that ‘any Collections relative to the Class of Antiquities . . . be deposited & preserved in the Advocates Library’ (Shapin, ‘Property’, p. 41).
16. THAT the Arms anciently borne by the Petitioner's ancestor, that is the common ancestor of the said Daniel and of the Petitioner, are indicative of the MacLarens being, as their family tradition avers, an early cadet branch of the Celtic dynasts of Strathearn (afterwards earls "Dei Indulgentia"); AND THAT the whole circumstances are consistent with a reasonable presumption that Ensigns Armorial were borne by the Chiefs of the Clan Labhran anterior to the year 1672.
A repeat of the above concerning the heraldry See Item 14. There is no ancient McLaren heraldic device anywhere.
MAY it therefore please your Lordship: (primo) to recognize officially the Petitioner and his son in the name of MacLaren of MacLaren with designation of Achleskine, viz. Donald MacLaren of MacLaren and Achleskine, and Donald MacLaren of MacLaren and Achleskine, younger; (secundo) to grant, ratify and confirm unto the Petitioner the Arms appropriate to him as representative of the House of Achleskine and, as representer of the family, in the sense and words of Lord Advocate Sir George Mackenzie, "Head of the Clan" Labhran (evidently descending from the Celtic abbot of Achtoo and apparently an early branch of the race of the Celtic earls of Strathearn), namely the undifferenced Arms of the stock or stem of the Name (of?) MacLaren and House of Achleskine, along with such exterior (additaments?) as may by your Lordship be found suitable; or to do further or otherwise in the premises as shall to your Lordship seem proper.
And your Petitioner will ever pray. {Iain Moncreiffe of Easter Moncreiffe.} {Unicorn.}
{1st. July, 1957.}
“I am equally indebted to Sir Iain Moncrieffe of that Ilk, Unicorn Pursivant, who also read the manuscript and made many valuable suggestions, particularly concerning the early origins of the Clan, its later heraldry and its relations with other Perthshire families” The MacLarens, History of Clan Labhran by Margaret MacLaren of MacLaren, Acknowlegments xx.
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| Map: Highland Settlement in Western Perthshire a Thesis |
Auchleskine Notes
Auchleskine - ‘Auchleskine, Akleskin, Achadh le sgiathan = "field of the wing / portion". Sgiath also means "shield" and thus may result in "shielded / sheltered field.”
Achleskine NN543209 (1) S 347 145m BQR [ax'lg skin]
Auchleskine Chronology
1511 James IV grants to John Ross, Auchleskine, Achtoo and other farms.
[Jas IV grants to John Ros] terras de Auahxnleskane, Tullochlembar Lakenscredane cum molendino [Leacann Sgridain+ BQR], le Kirktoun le thre Auchttowis r Cowill [Guilt BQR) , Drumnes [BLF?] [which the grantee's father John Ros of Craigie [PER] had resigned] 1511 {JRMS ii no 3668)
1512-1540 "6th. Alexander was son to Duncan Stuart, of Glenbucky, by his wife McLarin, daughter to McLarin of Achleskin, reckoned then to be chief of that name.
Patrick Stewart dictated his personal lineage in North Carolina, with the view to correct the errors made by Crawford in his 1710 lineage of the Stuarts.
1541 Auahleskin^ Kirktoun de Balquhidthir^ Lauchinskreden, cum earundem molendinof Tulloch cum tribus Auchintowis^ Cowill, Coltuchchir [FDY]1541 {RMS iii no 2448)
1558 Auchlesken, Kirktoun de Balquhidder, Lauchin s k r e d e n . , Tulloch, cum tribus Auchintowis, Cowill 1558 {RMS iv no 1331)
1564 Anahleskin, Kirktoun de Balquhidder, Lauchinskreden cum molendino earundem, Tulloch, cum tribus Auchtowis, Cowill in baronia de Cragye 1564 {RMS iv no 1524)
1576 Duncane McAllester Pudriche in Achatue, Achtoo, History of Clan Gregor Vol. I pg. 328
1586 Bond of Manrent to Duncane Campbell of Glenurquhay and his heirs. On the other part apparent of Laweris Johne Hendrysone, Donald Makrobert in Candroquhat(?), Johne Makindewer in Portbane(Loch Tay), and Donald Maklaurene in Dalbeyich(Dalveich, Loch Earn), and Finlay Makneill V'Laurent in Auchaliskin(Auchleskin, River Belvag just east of Loch Voil}, witnesses. At Illanrane 28 April 1586. Black Book of Taymouth
“The Drummond Earls of Perth retained the Barony of Balquhidder until its forfeiture in 1746 [34].”
Inv. Drummond Writs. Vol 1. pp. 80 - 86.25/1 S. R. O., 33. Ibid. Vol. I. pp. 80 - 86.25/2 S. R. O., 34. Ibid. Vol. III. p. 16. S. R. O., A Thesis “Highland Settlement Evolution in West Perthshire " James Henderson Stewart, 1986
1604 Duncan Pudrache M'Gregour, in Achtoo, Balquhidder, son Of Duncane McAllester Pudriche in Achatue, above History of Clan Gregor Vol. I pg. 329
1662 terrlas] de Aachleskine, Kirktoun de Balquhidder, Leddinscridden cum molendino, terras de Tulloche cum tribus Auchatowes et terras de Coble [read Coule] 1662 {Retours Perth 708)
1745 “Fergusons of Auchleskine, Balquhidder
For several generations Auchleskine has been occupied by families of the name; and the present tenant of the farm can trace his family's connection for over a century. From the Parish Baptismal Register it is seen that a JohnFergusson and his wife Janet M'Laren in Auchleskine had, on 21st March 1745, a child baptized named Janet. In 1802 Duncan Fergusson and his wife Mary Stewart had a child baptized, on 2nd September, named Alexander. Mr. Patrick Fergusson, the present occupier of Auchleskine, gives the following as his descent:
I. Finlay Fergusson, married Catherine Dewar, held a house and croft at Tiofhness, in the east end of Strathyre.
II. Patrick Fergusson, son of preceding, married Isabella M'Diarmid, held a lease of the farm of Stronier, now part of Laggan Farm, near Strathyre, and came to Auchleskine in the year 1808.
Finlay's son Patrick (II.) obtained a lease of Auchleskine in 1808, from Sir John M'Gregor of Macgregor, Edinchip, and was associated with his three sons, John, Duncan, and Peter. “Records of The Clan Fergusson or Ferguson”, Edited for The Clan Fergus(s)on Society by
James Ferguson and Robert menzies Fergusson, 1899
1782 Estate of Edinchip, between Lochearnhead village and the station, was purchased from the Commissioners of Forfeited Estates by Sir John Murray of Lanrick, Bart. (cre. 1795), chief of the Gregor clan, whose descendant, Sir Malcolm Macgregor, fifth Bart. (b. 1873; suc. 1879), is owner of 4050 acres in the shire, of an annual value of £1131,5s.
1865 In 1865 Daniel MacLaurin was born at Auchleskine, Balquhidder in 1778 of John MacLaurin and Janet MacGregor. Daniel an attorney "Writer to his Majesty's Signet", wrote a short book entitled "History in Memorium of the Clan Laurin: Antecedently and subsequently to its almost entire destruction in the year A. D. 1558", Daniel also incorporated a version of James Logan's history of Clan Laurin published in "McIan's Costumes" twenty years earlier in 1845.
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