Rulers of Strathspey
By Earl Cassillis (1911)
Part II



pp26-60: From John Grant, the Bard Roy up to and including John Grant, 4th of Freuchie and his family.

VIII. JOHN GRANT, Second of Freuchie, called the Red Bard (Am Bard Ruadh)………

[26] On the 8th June, 1483, On a Precept from William Crawford of Federeth, he was infeft in the lands of Inverallan Chiefs of Grant I p. xxxi; III pp. 263, 264. In 1511, after the death of Alexander Hay of Mayne, who also had a Charter of these lands, the non-entry of the lands was conferred by the Crown on one Robert Douglas, who pursued John Grant of Freuchie for the rents and dues thereof before the Lords of Council. In the action the Crown laid claim to the maills of half the lands of Gaich, half the lands of Glenbeg, and half the lands of Dreggie, but their Lordships decided in favour of John Grant of Freuchie on production by him of Charter and Sasine of the lands.

On 16th September, 1483, he received a gift from George, Ibid, I., p. 71; III, pp. 34 and 35, Earl of Huntly of the lands of Kinrara and others in the lordship of Badenoch, in liferent for man-rent service. On 15th September, 1484, he entered into a contract of marriage with Margaret Ogilvy, Ibid I, pp. 71, 72; III pp. 35 and 36 (Original Contract in Charter Room at Cullen House) daughter of Sir James Ogilvy of Deskford. On 17th June, 1489, he was infeft in the half lands of Freuchie and others as heir to his grandfather, Sir Duncan Grant Ibid, I p. 72; III, pp. 37, 39-41. On the 14th and 20th June, 1491, the Earl of Huntly exchanged with him the lands of Corroo (Curr), Tullochgorm, and Clunie, for the lands of Fodderletter, Innerloquhies (Inverlochy), and the two Inverowries (Inverury) in Strathavon Original Charter dated 4th February, 1491. See infra, “Chiefs of Grant,” I pp. lxviii, lxix, p. 76; and Act. Dom. Con. p. 398. [27] On 4th January, 1493-4, he, on his own resignation, received a Charter of Confirmation from King James IV erecting the whole of his lands into a Barony, to be called the Barony of Freuchie. Chiefs of Grant,’ I, pp xxxvi-xl, 77, and III, pp. 41 and 42; also Original Instrument of Resignation at Castle Grant and R.M,S., 4th January, 1493-4.

John Grant, as early as 1488, must have acquired an interest in Urquhart, “Chiefs of Grant,” I., pp. lxxx and 75, Acta Dom. Concilii, p. 267 as in a dispute between the Laird of Freuchie and Alexander, Lord Gordon, the rents (270 merks) of the lands of Urquhart and Glen Moriston are stated, 28th January, 1492-3, to be four years in arrear. He subsequently accepted from the Crown a lease of the lordship of Urquhart and Glen Moriston for five years from Whitsunday, 1502, at the old rent of £100, Mackay's “Urquhart and Glenmoriston,” p. 74 King’s Rental Book, 1502-1508 in Register House. See also “Exchequer Rolls,” XII, pp. 61, 128, 348, 659 of which, however, £20 a year was allowed to himself as his fee for keeping the Castle, and this lease is confirmed by entries in the Exchequer Rolls of 12th August, 1502; 4th July, 1503; 8th July, 1504; 28th July, 1505.

On 22nd October. 1495, there is a decree by the Lords of Council, "Chiefs of Grant,” I, p.76 (see also p. 72); and Acta Dom. Con, p. 398 that, within forty days after being charged to do so, he should infeft the pursuer, Alexander, Lord Gordon, as desired, in the lands of Inverurie and Inverlochy in the Sheriffdom of Banff, and the lands of Fodderletter within the Sheriffdom of Inverness, and, in default of obedience, that his goods should be distrained for the 600 merks penalty he had incurred by non-performance of this obligation before Martinmas, 1494. [28] On 4th February, 1498-9, the King, for the good and faithful service done by John Grant of Freuchie, bestowed on him the lands of Glencarnie and Ballindalloch, with the mills of the same within the shire of Elgin and Forres. “Chiefs of Grant,” I, pp. liii, liv, and 78; R.M.S., 4th February, 1498-9 The lands were to be held of the King in fee and heritage for an annual payment of £71 Scots, with a proviso that if one term’s rent was unpaid ere the expiry of a second term or half-year, the infeftment should be null and void.

John Grant was infeft in Glencarnie on the 8th April, 1499, in terms of a precept the same date as the Charter, which assigned Mullochard as the principal messuage of the lands of Glencarnie, Original Instrument of Sasine at Castle Grant. See “Chiefs of Grant,” I pp liv, 78 and III p. 44. On the same day Sasine of the lands of Ballindalloch was given at the place of Ballindalloch as the principal messuage Original Instrument of Sasine at Castle Grant. See “Chiefs of Grant,” I., pp. liv and 78. From a writ dated at Inverness, 26th October, 1499, Ibid, I pp 78 and 80, we see that John Grant of Freuchie had, shortly after his acquisition of Glencarnie and Ballindalloch, been appointed one of the King’s Sheriffs, specially deputed to see that the King’s Writ ran against certain refractory Highland subjects. “Rose of Kilravock,” pp. 168-170

He purchased the lands of Nether Auchroisk, in 1505, from John Nairn, the Baron of Cromdale, and, by his infeftrnent therein, 16th April, 1505, obtained a footing in the Barony of Cromdale “Chiefs of Grant,” I., p. 85 (Original Charter at Castle Grant); III pp. 44, 45

[Facing page 28: graphic Castle Urquhart.]

[29] On 10th May, 1508 (Original Instrument at Castle Grant), and 8th November, 1508, he entered into a contract, dated at Altyre, with John Cumming of Erneside for the marriage of Margaret Grant, his daughter, to Thomas Cumming, younger of Erneside. “Chiefs of Grant,” III pp. 47-48; and R.M.S., 31st July and 18th August, 1509. See also R.M.S., 30th August. 1515. In terms of this contract, on 29th June 1509, the half lands of Mulben and others in the Sheriffdom of Elgin were conveyed by John Cumming “It would seem that in exchange for these lands the Laird of Freuchie handed over to John Cumming the lands of Ordiquish, Garbity, and Sheriffston, in the County of Elgin” (“Chiefs of Grant,” I, p. xxxviii; R.M.S., 18th August, 1509). This statement of Sir William Fraser is borne out by a Confirmation of a Charter of Sale, of 29th June 1509, of these lands and others, given by John Grant of Freuchie to John Cumming of Erneside to John Grant, who was duly infeft, and his title completed by a confirmation from the Crown, dated 31st July, 1509.

On 8th December, 1509, he received a Charter from King James IV of the Barony of Urquhart “Chiefs of Grant,” I., pp. lxxx and lxxxi, and pp. 87 and 88; III pp. 51-54; R.M.S., 8th December, 1509. From an original Instrument of Sasine at Castle Grant, we learn that formal infeftment was taken therein 24th January, 1510-11. For the Charter see also “Exchequer Rolls,” XIII, pp. 327, 328. On 10th January, 1512-13, he had a Charter of Sale from Alexander Gaderer, a burgess of Elgin, of the lands of Auldcash in the shire of Elgin. R.M.S. 27th June, 1609. See infra. On All Saints’ Day, 1513, Sir Donald Macdonald of Lochalsh, who had been proclaimed Lord of the Isles, invaded Urquhart, seized the Castle, plundered the neighbourhood, and held the lands for three years "Chiefs of Grant,” I pp. 88, 89; III pp 62, 371, 373.

[30] On 16th October, 1514, John Grant of Freuchie got a grant from Alexander, Earl of Huntly of the non-entries of the lands of Auchanyse Chiefs of Grant I p. 90; III p. 60. On 22nd October, 1520, he contracted a marriage between his daughter, Agnes Grant, and Donald, son of the Captain of Clan Cameron. Ibid I pp. 90, 91; III pp. 64, 65

In the account rendered 28th June, 1499, “Exchequer Rolls,” XI, p. 174 we find that John Grant had not only the fermes of Glenquharny (Glencarnie) allowed him, but also those of Abbirnethy (Abernethy). From original Discharges at Castle Grant, we find that John Grant had a grant of the Lands and lordship of Abernethy in feu at a fixed rate of £40 Scots, and that this must have been as far back as 1516 (“Chiefs of Grant,” I., p lxxii.). From Rentulia Domini Regis (Murray), 15th January, 1497-8, we find that he also had a three years’ lease of Moreclune. Exchequer Rolls,’ pp. 390 and 446. He died on 1st May, 1528. “Chiefs of Grant” I, pp. 95 and 500.

By his wife, Margaret Ogilvie, he left issue two legitimate Sons and five daughters.

I. JAMES who succeeded him See infra

II. JOHN GRANT of Corriemony (see Appendix II, Grants of Corriemony)

III. MARGARET Grant, eldest daughter of John Grant, second of Freuchie, “Chiefs of Grant” I pp xxviii, 85, 95, 105; III pp. 47-48 See supra married (contract 10th May and 8th November, 1508) to Thomas Cumming, son and apparent heir of John Cumming of Erneside. The contract is alluded to above [31]

IV. ANNE who married, about 1512, Hugh Fraser, Master of Lovat, afterwards third Lord Fraser of Lovat, “Chiefs of Grant,” I pp. 90 and 95: III p. 58; R.M.S. 19th July 1536. See “Scots Peerage”, Title Fraser of Lovat pp. 526, 527 see also Macfarlane’s “Gen. Coll.” Vol. II p. 93 and died before July 1536. Her tocher appears to have been 1 400 merks. (The name of this daughter is not discoverable from the Grant muniments, but it is said to have been Anne.) Note: The “Polichronicon” calls her Katherine, and says she was a pretty young widow, relict of John Haliburton, Laird of Pitcur, but Mackenzie, in his “History of the Frasers,” calls her Anne. There are indications of another alliance between the Grants and the Frasers, a half brother of Hugh, Master of Lovat, is stated in the “ Polichronicon” to have married Morella Grant, the Laird of Grant’s daughter. His name is stated to be Andrew, but “he was vulgarly called McJohn. Of him descended a numerous tribe.” Mackenzie makes Andrew “Anndra Ruadh a’ Chnuic”, killed at Kinlochlochy (Blar-nan-Leine), distinct from a brother of John, who married a daughter of Grant of Grant. If either of above statements is correct, John Grant of Freuchie had another daughter, Muriel or Morella, who married a brother of Hugh Fraser, Master of Lovat. (“Wardlaw MS.”, pp. 123, 128, 129; “ History of the Frasers,” pp. 74, 98). She was the mother of Hugh, Master of Lovat, sometimes called Simon (“History of the Frasers,” p. 78), killed with his father in the fight with the Clan Ranald called Blar-nan-Leine, in 1544. After her death her husband married again, Janet, daughter of Walter Ross of Balnagown, being his second wife. “History of the Frasers,” p. 99 “Wardlaw MS” p. 129

V. Agnes married Donald Cameron, younger, Chief of the Clan Cameron. “Chiefs of Grant,” I, pp 90, 91, 95; and III. p. 64. See also “Urquhart and Glenmoriston” pp. 89 and 90. Contract dated 22nd October 1520.

[32] VI. ELIZABETH, married John Mackenzie, ninth of Kintail, and had issue “Chiefs of Grant,” I., pp. 95 and 500; “Macfarlane’s Gen. Coll.” I, p. 62. Kenneth Mackenzie, tenth of Kintail, commonly known as “Coinneach na Cuirc” (Kenneth of the Whittle), from his skill in wood-carving and general dexterity with the Highland “sgian dubh”. They were married before 24th June 1526 "Exchequer Rolls,” V, p. 247. On 13th September, 1543, we find a Charter from the Crown confirming a Charter to them dated 20th June, 1543. Mackenzie’s "History of the Mackenzies,” 1894 edition, p. 145; R.M.S., 20th June 1543.

VII. CHRISTIANA “Chiefs of Grant,” I, p. 95; III p. 109 mentioned as a creditor of her brother James in the Testament of the latter dated 1st June 1553.

VIII. Another daughter is said to have been married to Hector Mackintosh, Note - The Kinrara MS says that Hector Mackintosh, temporary Chief of the Clan Mackintosh, married a daughter of John Grant of Freuchie, by whom he had one son, Ferquhard, who died an infant of two years. (See “Macfarlane’s Gen. Coll.” Vol. I p. 202) This statement receives some support from the fact that, although during his father’s lifetime James Grant, third of Freuchie, had given a bond of man-rent to assist in defending Daviot against the Clan Chattan, he, John Grant of Ballindalloch and John Grant of Culcabok, had found surety for assisting Hector and William Mackintosh in their attack on Daviot in 1534. (See “Chiefs” I pp. 96, 101, 102; III p. 59. James Grant had, only a short time before this raid on 13th May, 1534, been charged by King James V to proceed against Hector Mackintosh under pain of treason (“Chiefs,” II p. 1). Hector Mackintosh was a bastard, who, during the minority of William, the lawful Chief, had usurped the chieftainship of the Clan Chattan. (See “The Mackintoshes and Clan Chattan “) temporary Chief of the Clan Mackintosh, but no evidence of this has been found "Macfarlane’s Gen. Coll.” I p. 202

John Grant, second of Freuchie, also left a natural son, “Chiefs of Grant,” I., pp. lxxxi, lxxxii, 87 ; and supra [33] John (called IAN MOR) GRANT. (See Appendix III, Grants of Glenmoriston)

IX. JAMES GRANT, Third of Freuchie,

called “Sheumas nan Creach” (James of the Forays) “Chiefs of Grant,” I, pp. xxxviii, 104; III, p. 80. He was retoured heir to his father in Freuchie, with its castle and fortalice, and other lands, in 1536 and 1539. See also “Exchequer Rolls,” XVI p. 619, with regard to Sasine to him of Glencarnie and other lands in 1536.

[Graphic: SIGNATURE OF KING JAMES V]

On 24th July, 1543, he was one of those who signed the secret bond by Cardinal Beaton and others, which was directed against the designs of “our auld enymyis of Ingland” against Queen Mary and the Queen Regent “The Hamilton Papers,” Vol. I, pp. 630, 632; “Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic,” Henry VIII, Vol. XVIII, Pt. I., 1543, p. 509. He was made bailie of the Abbey of Kinloss before the 20th June, 1544. "Chiefs” I pp. 106, 107; III, p. 90 From an original Discharge, dated 7th May 1544, in Grant Charter chest, granted by Patrick, Bishop of Moray, we find that Laggan, Ardinch, Auchnahandat, Kinakyle, Auchehangen, Wester and Easter Daltulie, with the croft of Cardell, Arndilly with its croft, and Allachie, with the [34] fishings of these lands upon the Spey, and those also of the lands of Dalvey, Advie, Calledir, Tulchan, and Advoky, were all feu-farmed to James Grant, Laird of Freuchie. See “Chiefs of Grant” pp. lxi-lxvi and 107-110; See also “Reg. Mor.,” p. 411, for Charter of Feu-Farm, of 7th May, 1541 Knockando, Glencumrie, and Brodland, in the parish of Knockando, were granted by Alexander Douglas, chaplain of St Andrews (Knockando), in 1545, with consent of the Dean and Chapter of Moray, to James Grant of Freuchie and Christian Barclay, his spouse. “Chiefs of Grant" I p. lxxxv On 27th July, 1545, James Grant acquired by purchase from John Grant of Ballindalloch the lands of Estir Urquhill (Easter Urquhart) and Cantradoun, within the barony of Clawach (Clava), in the Sheriffdom of Nairn. R.M.S., 21st August 1546; “Chiefs of Grant” I p 118

On 23rd April, 1545, at Elgin, a contract was signed between James Grant of Freuchie and Alexander Dolas of Cantray Ibid and III pp. 94-96 whereby the said James becomes bound to infeft Alexander Dolas and his heirs in the lands of Easter Urquhart, Cantra, Done, and Dalgramycht, in the shire of Nairn, and barony of Cloway (Clava), before Martinmas following, or else to repay him the sum of 1000 merks, and also to infeft the said Alexander within seven years thereafter in the lands of Cloway; also, to pay him yearly, until he was infeft in the lands of Cloway, 20 merks out of the lands of Clowie (Clurie) and Wester Curr, and 600 merks at the term therein specified. On the other hand, the said Alexander became bound to infeft the said James in the lands [35] of Rothiemurchus, in the shire of Inverness, and regality of Spynie, within eight days after he was infeft in the lands of Easter Urquhart, etc. A penalty of 1200 merks was attached to the non-fulfilment of this contract, 400 merks to be paid to the Crown, a similar sum to the Cathedral Church of Moray, and the remaining third to the party desirous of fulfilling the agreement.

At Elgin, on the 8th May 1546, he received a Bond of Maintenance from George, fourth Earl of Huntly, “Chiefs of Grant,” I p. 119, and III p. 97; see also R.M.S. 14th August 1549, in which bond he and his son John are mentioned as being infeft in the bailiary of Strathoune (Strathavon), and keeping of the house of Drummyn (Drummin). For James Grant’s Bond of man-rent, of same date, see the Gordon Papers. “Spalding Club Miscellany,” vol. IV pp. 214, 215

On the 4th May 1548, Queen Mary conferred upon the Laird of Freuchie nine merk lands in Lochalsh which belonged to Ewen Donaldson, grandson and heir of Ewen Allanson of Locheil “Chiefs of Grant,” I, pp. 113, 114; R.M.S. 4th May, 1548; also thirteen merk lands of old extent in Lochcarron, with the Castle of Strome and the office of constable of the same, which also had belonged to Ewen Donaldson. By the same Charter were also granted lands in the neighbourhood belonging to Allaster MacKane MacAllaster (Alisdair MacIan 'Ic-Alasdair) and Angus his Son. These were the life-rent right belonging to Allaster of Glengarry of twelve merk lands of old extent in Lochalsh with the fee of the same, belonging heritably to his son Angus; also lands in Lochcarron belonging to them, amounting [36] to four merks and 20d. of old extent. To these were added various lands in Lochcarron of the old extent of seventeen merks 20d. belonging to the same persons; also other lands including Glengarry, Dryanach, Sleismenach and the fishings of the same; also twelve merk lands of Morar, belonging to Allaster of Glengarry. These and the other lands named, lying in Ross and Invernessshire, belonging to Allaster MacCane MacAllister of Glengarry, Angus, his son, Ewen Allanson of Locheil, and his grandson, Ewen Donaldson, all held of the Crown for ward and relief, were all apprised to the Laird of Freuchie as assignee for his tenants in satisfaction of the “spulzie” of Urquhart, by the Macdonalds of Clan Ranald and Camerons of Locheil in 1544 and 1545, and were sold to him for the large sum of £10,770 13s 4d Scots. This Charter was subject to the debtors’ right to redeem the properties by paying the amounts due within seven years; but as this privilege was not taken advantage of, on the expiry of the period of redemption the Charter became absolute.

This Great Raid here alluded to was one on the Lairds of Freuchie and Glenmoriston, when the Castle of Urquhart was taken, and it is said that these raids which occurred in 1544 and 1545, gave to the Laird of Freuchie the appellation of “Sheumas nan Creach”. The Earl of Huntly, it is said, did, in 1546, by the aid of Mackintosh, succeed in apprehending two of the leaders of the insurrection of 1544, i.e., Ranald MacDonald Glas of Keppoch and Ewen Allanson of Locheil “Chiefs of Grant,” I, pp. 111-14; “Urquhart and Glenmoriston,” pp. 96-108; “Gregory’s Highlands and Islands,” p. 179. They [37] were tried for high treason, condemned and beheaded. This raid was in revenge for the part the Grants had taken in Huntly’s expedition in the summer of 1544 to assist Ranald Gallda, the rightful Chief of Clan Ranald, in his struggle with John of Moidart (Iain Muirdeartach) for the chieftainship, and which had ended so disastrously for the Frasers in the battle of Blar-nan-leine (the Field of Shirts).

On the 10th October 1548, Ewen (Donaldson) Cameron of Locheil met his uncles, Sheumas nan Creach and Iain Mor (of Glenmoriston) at Convinth, in the presence of John Mackenzie of Kintail, Kenneth Mackenzie of Brahan, Alexander Mackenzie of Fairburn, and others “Chiefs of Grant,” I p. 120; Ibid. III p. 102; “Urquhart and Glenmoriston” p. 109. Locheil undertook to keep “truely his kindness and fidelity” to his uncle and his heirs, especially in connection with the lands of Urquhart and Glenmoriston, and to aid him in all manner of actions against all mortals, except the Queen, the Earl of Huntly, and the Laird of Mackintosh, to which last he had recently given his bond of man-rent; and the Laird of Grant agreed that during his nephew’s good behaviour the latter should uplift and enjoy the rents and the profits of the lands apprised from him, and that they should not be alienated from him, except under the advice of Mackenzie of Kintail and his son Kenneth, the Laird’s son – John Grant of Mulben, Iain Mor, and others, the Laird’s well-advised friends.

From letters under the signet of Queen Mary, dated 27th November 1549, "Chiefs of Grant,” p. 114-115; Original Letters at Castle Grant charging the royal officers to assist James Grant of Freuchie in dealing [38] with his refractory tenants and occupiers of his lands in Morane (Morar), Slos, Glengarry, the half of Lochbroom, the half lands of Lochcarron, the lands of Kessoryne and Strome, and the woods and fishings of these lands, it appears that these tenants not only paid him no rent, but without permission or right “daylie fishis in his Watteris and fischingis thereof . . . . and distroyis his growand treis of his woddis . . . . sua that the samyn woddis ar alluterlie failzeit,” etc.

Four years later, on 24th June 1553, “Chiefs of Grant,” I p. 115; Original Letters at Castle Grant similar letters were issued commanding the keepers of the Castle of Strome to deliver up the Castle to the Laird of Freuchie on six days’ warning, the reason assigned being that the Laird had learned that Makconill, with men from the Isles, and with the assistance of Clan Cameron, Clan Ranald, and others, intended coming to cast the Castle of Strome down, and so to withhold the lands from the Laird.

On the 22nd June, 1551, there is a contract between James Grant of Freuchie Ibid. I, p. 120; III, pp. 104, 105 on the one part, and Finlay Paterson, son and heir of William Paterson, burgess of Inverness, Janet Kar, his mother, tutrix to the said Finlay, and Farquhar McConquhy of Dunmaglass, her spouse, on the other part, by which the said Janet Kar, tutrix aforesaid, with consent of her spouse, agreed that the lands of Dollagrammych (Dalgrambich), in debate between the said James and Finlay, should be held and possessed by the said James Grant and, his heirs; the said James and his heirs being bound to infeft the said Finlay in the lands Mydbowne Leneth [39] (Middle Bunloit), in the lordship of Urquhart and shire of Inverness.

On 26th January, 1552-3, at Strathisla, he contracted his daughter Janet in marriage to Alexander Sutherland of Duffus “Chiefs of Grant,” I p. 121; III pp. 106, 107. He was apparently twice married, first to Elizabeth Forbes, daughter of John, sixth Lord Forbes Ibid. I p. 123; Shaw’s “History of the Province of Moray,” I, pp. 92 and 99; Article – Forbes – “Scots Peerage,” IV, p. 54. His second wife was Christian Barclay, who survived him and married Arthur Forbes of Balfour without issue “Chiefs of Grant,’ I pp. lxxxv, 123, and 500; III pp. 113, 114. On 26th October, 1553, we have mention of the liferent reserved to her, and a contract between John Grant of Freuchie and her, dated 30th October, 1554, with regard to terce, etc. Precept and Instrument of Sasine at Castle Grant; “Exchequer Rolls” XVIII p. 561; “Chiefs” I p. 128, and III pp. 113, 114. His will was made at his “place of Ballacastell” on the 1st of June, 1553. He directed his body to be buried as honourably as was fitting in his Parish Church of Duthil “Chiefs” I pp. 121, 122; III pp. 108-112. In the confirmed Inventory and Testament of 22nd August, 1553, Ballacastell is called Freuchie. He is thus the first Laird of Freuchie as to whom there is authentic evidence of residence there or of burial in the parish. He died 26th August, 1553, at Freuchie (now Castle Grant). He left issue four sons and five daughters. Ibid I pp. 121-126; III p. 112.

I. JOHN GRANT, who succeeded to the estates of Freuchie. [40]

II WILLIAM, who, as son of the Laird of Freuchie, received on 7th May, 1541, from Patrick, Bishop of Moray, a Charter of the lands of Finlarg or Muckrath “Chiefs,” I, pp. lxv, 123; III, pp. 90-93, 366, 367 “Reg. Mor.” p. 405. He died without issue before 22nd December 1560, when his brother John received a Precept of Clare Constat from the Bishop for his own infeftment in these lands as heir of William “Chiefs,” I p. 123; III pp. 126, 127.

III DUNCAN, who also received from the Bishop of Moray, on 16th January, 1542-3, a Feu Charter of the lands of Easter Elloquhy (Elchies). But even previous to this date, on the 7th May 1541, we have a Charter of Feu-farm by the Bishop, with consent of his Chapter, to him of these lands. Ibid, I pp. lxv, 123; III pp. 279, 371, 372; “Reg. Mor.,” p. 403. He was engaged in 1568 in a dispute with his neighbour, James Grant of Wester Elchies, in reference to their marches, which was amicably settled by a submission to arbitration dated 6th April 1568 “Chiefs,” III pp. 385, 386. For assisting in the rebellion of Huntly, he received a remission along with other members of the family, 9th July 1569, III pp. 137, 138. He seems to be the Duncan Grant of Elchies who married Marjory Leslie, third daughter of Robert Leslie, fifth son of William Leslie of Aikinway “Macfarlane’s Gen. Coll.” II p. 72. He died in October, 1580, leaving one son and one daughter. “Chiefs,” I, p. 123. [41]

1. JAMES GRANT OF EASTER ELCHIES, “Chiefs” I pp. 123, 506, who, as son and executor, gave up his father’s testament on 26th October, 1602. He was a member of the juries for the retour of John Grant fifth of Freuchie in 1582 and 1589 and came under an obligation with others of the Clan Grant to defend the Laird of Freuchie as their chief Ibid, III pp. 157, 158 (Obligation dated 21st March, 1584).
At Cromdale on the 17th March, 1594, he entered into a voluntary obligation with other Grants in his neighbourhood to keep the peace under penalty of £1,000 Scots for breach thereof, Ibid III pp. 185, 186. For other references in Regality of Spynie, 1594 and 1597, see “Spalding Club Miscellany,” II pp. 125, 135. On 30th March, 1619, he and other persons are denounced rebels for remaining obstinately at the horn “Reg. Privy Council,” II p. 561. He died before 1620, and apparently sine posteritate, as the lands appear to have reverted to the Lairds of Freuchie as heirs of tailzie, see infra and were bestowed on a younger son.

2. A daughter, MARY GRANT of Elchies, who, about 1570, is said to have married a son of Leonard Leslie, Abbot of Cupar, “History of the Family of Leslie,” III p. 347. Martin of Clermont’s Genealogies state that Mr George Leslie, the Abbot’s third son, [42] married Mary Grant, daughter of Grant of Rothes (Elchies?), who bore a son, Leonard, a captain under the King in Ireland, where he was killed, “Macfarlane’s Gen. Coll.” II p. 46.

IV. ARCHIBALD (see Appendix IV, Grants of Monymusk)

V. ISOBEL, married before 1543 to Archibald Campbell, eldest son and heir of Sir John Campbell of Cawdor, and had issue, “The Thanes of Cawdor,” p. 170; Receipts for Tocher at Castle Grant. See also R.M.S., 16th August 1545; “Chiefs,” I, p. 124.

VI. MARGARET, married to Thomas Cumming, grandson and heir of Alexander Cumming of Altyre. Their marriage contract is dated at Elgin, 15th September, 1552. “Chiefs,” p. 124; III pp. 377-8; Copy Contract at Castle Grant.

VII. JANET, married (Contract dated 26th January, 1552-3) to Alexander Sutherland of Duffus, Ibid I pp. 121-124; III pp. 106, 107; R.M.S., 10th January 1578-9; for her terce see “Exchequer Rolls,” XX p. 551. She survived him, and married secondly (Contract dated 26th September 1577) James Dempster of Auchterless. She survived her second husband also, he dying before 7th January, l591-2, R M S. 24th January 1591-2. She died between 17th and 31st October 1600, “Chiefs” I p. 500. (Note: Mr James Fraser, Minister of Wardlaw, says in his Chronology and Genealogy that William Fraser of Struy, tutor of Lovat 1558-60, married as his first wife Janet Grant, daughter of the Laird of Grant) “Macfarlane’s Gen. Coll.” II p. 94. [43]

VIII AGNES, after her father’s death, married to David Ross, son of Alexander Ross of the Holm. Their marriage contract is dated 24th August 1558, at Freuchie, “Chiefs,” I p. 124; III pp. 125, 126.

A Janet Grant was married to Alexander Gordon, Laird of Strathavon, Ibid. I p. 124; “Burke’s Commoners,” IV p. 8. She is said to be the youngest daughter of John Grant of Freuchie and Elizabeth Forbes, John Grant being evidently a clerical error for James Grant. In the Gordon Papers we find a Bond by Alexander Gordon of Strathavon, dated at Elgin, 5th November, 1539, which talks of “Janet Grant my spouse and Alexander our son” “Spalding Club Miscellany” IV pp. 203-204. John the Grant of Culcabok and John the Grant of Ballindalloch are among the witnesses, and there is good reason for believing she was a daughter or sister of John Grant of Ballindalloch. See writs of transactions between her and Grant of Ballindalloch, Protocol Book of J. Christison, pp. 61, 62.

X. JOHN GRANT, FOURTH OF FREUCHIE,

called “The Gentle”. During his father’s life designed “of Mulben”, “Chiefs,” I p. 125; III p. 103. Date of birth uncertain, but probably before 1520, as he married, before 19th February 1539-40, Lady Margaret Stewart, daughter of John, third Earl of Athole, and she on that date received a Crown Charter of the lands of Mulben and others in the shire of Elgin and Forres, with the lands of the two Culfoichs and others, in the shire of Inverness, in liferent, and she was duly infeft in these lands on the [44] 3rd and 10th November following, “Chiefs," I p. 152; III pp. 83, 84; Original Charter and Sasines at Castle Grant. She predeceased her husband in the year 1555, as appears from the Armorial Stone of John Grant of Freuchie, Lady Margaret Stewart, his wife, and their son, Duncan Grant, in Grant burial place at Duthil Church, Ibid. I Illustration opposite p. 152. This stone is now at Castle Grant. On 9th July 1552, he received from Queen Mary a remission for joining Matthew, Earl of Lennox on Glasgow Moor in May, 1544, Ibid I pp. 125, 126; III p. 106.

He was retoured heir to his father in the lands of Glencarnie and Ballindalloch, in the lordship of Glencarnie and Sheriffdom of Elgin and Forres, at Elgin, on 6th October, 1553, Ibid. I p. 126; III p. 112; Original Precept and Sasine at Castle Grant. See also entry, dated at Edinburgh, in “Exchequer Rolls". Sasine followed, taken on the soil of these lands in the ensuing month. In the same month (October) John Grant was retoured heir to his father in the lands which belonged to him in Invernessshire, Ibid I p. 126; See “Exchequer Rolls,” XVIII p. 561, 562 consisting of the lands of Freuchie, comprehending the town of Freuchie, with its mill, Dalfour, Auchnagall, and Glenlochy, the lands of Urquhart, namely, Brodland, with its fortalice and the other lands comprehended, the half lands of Lochbroom, the half lands of Lochcarron and Kessoryne, including Strome Castle, the half lands of Lochalsh, including Glengarry and the lands of Morar. The Precept from the Crown, in terms of this retour, is dated 26th October, 1553, and Sasine of the lands of Urquhart was given on the soil of the lands of Brodland on 8th November the same year, Precept and Instrument of Sasine at Castle Grant. Sasine of the lands and barony of [45] Freuchie was given at the “castle and fortalice of Ballachastell,” under reservation of the two Congashes, Auldcharn, and the two Culfoichs, held in liferent by Margaret Stewart, wife of John Grant, and of a reasonable terce to Christina Barclay, relict of James Grant.

On 3rd November 1553, George, Earl of Huntly, as Sheriff of Inverness, issued a Precept for infefting John Grant in the lands of Lochbroom, Lochcarron, Lochalsh, Glengarry, and others, but there is no evidence extant of any formal infeftment in these lands, Original Precept at Castle Grant. In regard to the lands of Freuchie, Urquhart, Lochalsh, and others above referred to, it may be stated that John Grant of Freuchie received a gift from the Crown of the relief duty due from the lands of Freuchie, Lochalsh, Kessoryne, Lochcarron, Lochbroom, Glengarry, and Morar, held for ward and relief on 3rd April 1554, and on 6th April he received a gift of the double feu-duty exigible on his entry to the lands of Glencarnie and Urquhart held of the Crown in feu farm, Original Gifts at Castle Grant.

In the same year the Laird obtained a Precept of Clare Constat from Patrick, Bishop of Moray, for infefting him as heir of his father, Original Precept and Sasine, dated 30th March and 8th May, 1554, at Castle Grant; Charter by the Bishop with consent of the Chapter at Elgin, 7th May 1541, “Reg. Mor.” p. 411; in the Church lands of Laggan, Ardinch, and other lands and fishings in the Bishop’s Barony of Strathspey and Regality of Spynie, upon which Precept infeftment was duly given; and on another similar Precept he was infeft in the lands of Nether Auchroisk, Ibid. dated 20th and 27th June 1554, ibid. [46]

On 30th October, the same year (1554) Robert (Reid), Bishop of Orkney and his nephew Walter, the lately-elected Abbot of Kinloss, appointed the Laird of Freuchie as successor to his father in the office of bailie of the Abbey of Kinloss. The document was signed at Kinloss by Bishop Reid, and no fewer than nineteen monks or brethren, “Chiefs” I p. 127; III pp. 114, 115.

About this time the Laird of Freuchie added to the Grant possessions the lands of Muldares, Wester Muldares, and Bogbain, with mills, etc., in the earldom of Rothes, within the Sheriffdom of Elgin and Forres. These he received from George, Earl of Rothes, and Andrew Leslie, Master of Rothes, as fiar of the earldom, by Charter dated 12th December 1554. These lands were to be held blench of the granters Ibid. I p. 128; Original Charter at Castle Grant. On 30th November 1555, he had a nineteen years’ tack of the teinds of Advie and Cromdale from John Thorntoun, younger, parson thereof, following on a Contract dated 4th October 1555, between Freuchie and James Thorntoun, the granter’s elder brother and predecessor in the parsonage, Ibid. III pp. 379, 380. On the 25th October, 1557, he got from the Queen a Charter of the lands of Parkhill in the County of Fife, which John Leslie, formerly of Parkhill, had forfeited, R.M.S. 25th October 1557.

On the 8th March 1557-8, he married Lady Janet Leslie, daughter of the Earl of Rothes, See infra.
On 3rd December 1562, acting on an Order of 4th November 1562, of Queen Mary, be demanded [47] and took the custody of Drummin Castle, the keepers having fled. This Order of the Queen is the first authoritative document in which the Laird of Freuchie is denominated Laird of Grant “Chiefs” I pp. 138-136; II p. 3; III p. 127.

[Graphic: SIGNATURE OF MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS.]

From a document we learn that the Laird was one of the Queen’s party at Holyrood on 9th March 1565-6, when David Rizzio was slain, and with Huntly, Atholl, Bothwell, and other nobles and officers, tried to prevent the Earl of Morton getting possession of the Palace after the murder, Ibid. I pp. 136-138; see Cottoniarum MS. Caligula B. IX, 265 et seq., especially 274, British Museum.

On 14th July 1567, the fifth Earl of Huntly, at Huntly, in fulfilment of a Letter of Obligation, dated 18th February 1566-7, executed a Charter of the lands of Rothiemurchus to John Grant of Freuchie, which Charter was confirmed by Patrick, Bishop of Moray, at Elgin, the 17th July, 1567. “The Mackintosh and Clan Chattan,” p. 151; see also “Chiefs,” II p. 36; III pp. 384, 385.

Huntly and the Laird of Freuchie are the first whose signatures appear to a Bond, of 1568, which pledged them to maintain the Queen’s authority, and to acknowledge no other usurped authority, “Chiefs” I pp. 139, 140; “Spalding Club Miscellany” IV pp. 156, 157. Acting as the Queen’s Lieutenant, Huntly, by a letter of gift signed and sealed by him at Aberdeen, 18th February 1568-9, bestowed upon the Laird the Abbacy of Kinloss, escheated because Walter [48] Reid, the Abbot, had been proclaimed rebel for not finding surety to underly the law for the slaughter of a person named Fraser, “Chiefs” I p. 140; III p. 284; Original Gift at Castle Grant.

On the 31st March 1569, John Grant of Freuchie offers to submit to the Regent, “Calendar of Scottish Papers” Vol. II p. 637. Huntly, Crawford, Cassillis, and other peers and gentlemen, including John Grant of Freuchie, sign the Bond of 15th April 1569, drawn up by the Regent's Privy Council, and signed at different times and places, by which the subscribers acknowledged the authority of King James VI and the Earl of Moray as Regent, and swore to obey them in all points, “Register of the Privy Council,” II p. 654; “Calendar of Scottish Papers,” III p. 166.

[Graphic: SIGNATURE OF GEORGE 5TH EARL OF HUNTLY].

The Laird of Grant with many others of the clan had been with Huntly’s Army, in August, October, and December, 1568, and March, 1569, “Urquhart and Glenmoriston,” p.122; “Chiefs” III pp. 136, 137, 138, which went through the country with “displayit banners,” now marching through the streets of Inverness, now disturbing the sober citizens of Aberdeen, or creating terror among the peaceable inhabitants of Fetteresso and the Haugh of Meikleour. See Submission and Obligation to the Regent by John Grant, 7th June 1569; Precept for a Remission to John Grant of Freuchie and others for accession to the Earl of Huntly’s Rebellion, 3rd July 1569; and Composition and Remission by King James the Sixth to John Grant of Freuchie and his Clan 9th July 1569. [49] On 26th July 1570, by a Contract concluded at Elgin betwixt the Laird of Freuchie, for himself and his daughter, Barbara Grant, on the one part, and Colin Mackenzie, son and heir of the late Kenneth Mackenzie of Kintail, with consent of his curators, on the other part, the Laird binds himself to pay with his daughter 2,000 merks of tocher, and also to infeft Colin Mackenzie in the half lands of Lochbroom in the Sheriffdom of Inverness, “Chiefs” I p. 143; III pp. 383-390; see infra, sub. Barbara.

On 17th November 1571, in a Contract also concluded at Elgin betwixt himself and Angus MacAlister of Glengarry for the marriage of his daughter, Helen Grant, with Donald, the son of Angus MacAlister of Glengarry (Macdonald of Glengarry), the Laird of Freuchie consented to Angus enjoying the nine merk land of Lochalsh, apprised from the Clan Cameron, until he should obtain possession of the lands of Auchindrone. The Laird also bound himself to infeft Glengarry and his heirs male in the lands of Glengarry, Morar, part (twelve merk land) of Lochalsh and Lochcarron, formerly apprised from Angus and his father for the raid of Urquhart. A penalty of no less than £10,000 Scots was to be incurred by Angus Macdonald if he failed to implement the Contract. A Charter of Sale in these terms was given by Freuchie to Glengarry next day, “Chiefs” I pp. 143, 144; III pp. 143-149; See infra, under Helen; R.M.S. 8th July 1575, and 19th July 1574.

By a deed dated at Ballachastell on 30th August 1584, he made over, owing to his increasing ill health, a great part of his lands and estates to John Grant, his grandson and apparent heir, “Chiefs” I p. 150; Original Disposition at Castle Grant. The lands [50] made over were the whole of his lands of Freuchie, his lands in Lochalsh, Strome and its castle, Lochbroom, Glengarry and others in Inverness-shire, with Easter Urquhill, Cantraydoun and other lands in Nairn, and Mulben and other lands in Elgin. The Laird reserved to himself a liferent right in these lands, and to his wife, Janet Leslie, her reasonable terce. His latter will and testament was made at Ballachastell, 24th November 1584, “Chiefs” I pp. 151, 152; III pp. 286-292. He appointed his body to be “bureit in the kirk of Dowthall in Bogbegis Yll.” Among the legacies was one of 40 merks to Nichol Cumming, “ane pure man”. This Nichol Cumming is evidently the grandson of Patrick Grant Reoch of Auchnarrow, the grandson, and not, as Fraser says in his footnote, the son of Marjory Lude.

This Testament was confirmed 15th March 1586-7, Edinburgh Testaments, 15th March 1586. He was twice married; first, as we have seen, to Lady Margaret Stewart, daughter of John, third Earl of Atholl. She died 1555. He married, secondly before 15th May 1557, Janet, daughter of George, fourth Earl of Rothes, and widow of David Crichton of Naughton, "Reg. of Deeds” II p. 157.

On the 8th March, 1557-8, a Crown Charter was granted them of the lands of Mulben, “Chiefs” I pp. 152, 153; R.M.S. 8th March 1557-8. She is designed “Lady Jeane Leslie, Lady of Naughton," in a nineteen years’ lease granted her by Robert Pitcairn, Commendator of Dunfermline, of the teind sheaves of Bogie, Benochie, Smeatoun, and Balsusnie, [51] in the Shire of Fife, dated in the year 1568, Confirmation by Robert Pitcairn, Commendator of Dunfermline, of 10th January 1583-4, with consent of the Convent, of a Charter of Alienation and Sale of 21st December 1583, by Alexander Crichton of Naughton; Lease at Castle Grant; “Laing’s Charters,” pp. 265, 206. She had the liferent of these lands. The “Manuscript of the Surname of Lessly done in the 1695”, “Macfarlane’s Gen. Coll.” II pp. 428, 441, 442, 459, says that she was a daughter by her father’s first marriage with Margaret Crichton, daughter to William, Lord Crichton, and niece to King James II, and that Norman Leslie, Master of Rothes, forfeited for killing Cardinal Beaton in 1546, and himself killed at the battle of Renton, in Picardy, 1554, was her brother. Margaret Crichton was a natural daughter of William, third Lord Crichton, and the Princess Margaret Stewart, youngest sister of James III.

The MS. says Janet Leslie’s first husband was Crichton of Naughton, and we find that he was in fact David Crichton of Naughton, See Campbell’s “Balmerino and its Abbey” p. 501. Their marriage took place before 11th March, 1540-41, See “Scots Peerage” title Rothes and “Reg. of Deeds” II p. 159. David Crichton died about 1553 and on 6th January 1553-4, the non-entry duties were gifted to David, Bishop of Ross, who on 25th January regranted them to his “lovit sister,” Janet Leslie, relict of David Crichton, “Acts and Decreets,” XXVI, pp. 243, 244. The Historical Records of the Family of Leslie, however, say that she was a daughter of her father’s third marriage with Agnes Somerville, relict of John, Lord Fleming, and Wood’s “Douglas” supports this view, “Historical Records of the Family of Leslie,” II pp. 64, 65. The fact, however, that her first husband was a Crichton, and that [52] David Pantar, Bishop of Ross, styles her his sister, shows that she was a daughter of Margaret Crichton.

For the chequered career of Margaret Crichton, “Riddell’s Remarks upon Scotch Peerage Law” pp. 193, 195, who married, first, William Todrick, burgess of Edinburgh, secondly, George Halkerstoun, also a burgess of Edinburgh, previous to her marriage with Rothes, which marriage was dissolved on 27th December 1520, for Lord Rothes’ subsequent marriages to Elizabeth Gray, the widowed Countess of Huntly, “Historical Records” II p. 66. Agnes Somerville, John, second Lord Fleming’s widow, and Isobel Lundy, widow of David, eighth Earl of Crawford, see titles Crawford, Crichton, and Rothes in the “Scots Peerage.” The alleged reunion in wedlock of Margaret Crichton with the Earl of Rothes does not appear to have taken place.

Lady Janet Leslie, “Chiefs” I p. 151; III p. 400; Original Letters at Castle Grant, was, by letters under the Royal Signet, dated 26th November 1586, charged to deliver up certain heirship moveables to her husband’s grandson and heir.

She married as her third husband, before 6th August 1587, James Elphinstone, “Edinburgh Testaments” 28th June 1693; “Scots Peerage,” title Elphinstone, brother-german of Robert, third Lord Elphinstone. But she did not long survive her third marriage, having died in Kirkcaldy on 17th December 1591. On 10th June 1589, John, fifth of Freuchie, finds caution not to harm James Elphinstone, or Jean Leslie, Lady Grant, his spouse. “P.C. Register,” IV pp. 393, 394. [53] This Laird of Freuchie died at Ballachastell on the 3rd June 1585, “Chiefs” I p. 150. By his two marriages he had two sons and seven daughters.

[Graphic: signature of JOHN GRANT, FOURTH OF FREUCHIE.]

I. DUNCAN GRANT, younger of Freuchie (by first marriage), predeceased his father, and his eldest son, John, succeeded his grandfather.

II. PATRICK GRANT. (See Appendix V, Grants of Rothiemurchus)

III. ELIZABETH, ELSPET or ISOBEL, a daughter of the fourth Laird of Freuchie by his first marriage. Elizabeth is named after Grissel in her marriage contract dated 17th March 1558-9 Ibid III pp. 397-8. On 19th January 1560-1, and again in November 1561, Elspet Grant, daughter of John Grant of Freuchy, was contracted to William Fraser of [54] Strowie, “Chiefs” I p. 153; III p. 381 but there is no evidence that the marriage was completed. With reference to ELIZABETH being contracted to William Fraser of Struy, the Polichronicon says William Fraser of Struy, tutor of Lovat, was married to Janet Grant, the Laird of Grant’s daughter, a woman of grace and of good parts, (“Wardlaw MS., Fraser Chronicles,” p. 148). Mackenzie in his “History of the Frasers” says “It is not known whether the marriage was celebrated or not. If so, he must have divorced her soon after.” The Contract with William Fraser of Struy is a peculiar one, for “oddly enough it anticipates a divorce and makes certain provision for it.” (“History of the Frasers,” pp. 638, 639) Allusion is made to the causes of either consanguinity or affinity. (“Chiefs,” III pp. 380, 381) Now it appears that there was no blood relationship, merely affinity. William Fraser of Struy, whose original Christian name is said to have been Andrew, is put down in the “History of the Frasers” as son of Hugh, Lord Lovat, killed at Blar-nan-Leine, not by his first marriage with Anne Grant, but by his second marriage with Janet, daughter of Walter Ross of Balnagown. (Mackenzie’s “History of the Frasers,” p. 99)

On 15th February 1564-5, at Ballachastell, Elizabeth was contracted to marry John Leslie, younger of Balquhain, and on 16th February 1564, at Ballachastell, a Precept was given by William Leslie of Balquhain, to infeft John Leslie, his son and heir, and Isobel Grant, his future spouse, in the lands of Auchlyne, etc. “Chiefs” III pp. 381, 382; I pp. 131, 132. By this marriage there were two children “Historical Records of the Family of Leslie” III p. 73.

1. JOHN, who succeeded his father as eleventh Baron of Balquhain; and
2. WILLIAM, who succeeded his nephew John as thirteenth Baron of Balquhain. (Martin of Clermont, however, calls William the eldest son of his father’s third marriage). “Macfarlane’s Gen. Coll.” II p. 13.

On 23rd July 1574, the Commissaries of Edinburgh assigned a term to Elizabeth Grant to prove [55] the Precept of divorcement pursued by her against John Leslie of Balquhain. In a document dated at Edinburgh, 5th March, 1576-7, in connection with this process of divorce, she is called Isobel, “Chiefs,” III pp. 391-393. Her husband married, secondly, Lady Elizabeth (Isobel) Hay, daughter of George, seventh (not sixth) Earl of Erroll, by whom he had a daughter. But she divorced him (Decree dated Edinburgh, 9th March 1597) “Historical Records” III pp. 73-4. John Leslie married, thirdly, on 6th July 1598, Jean Erskine, daughter of Sir Alexander Erskine, Baron of Gogar, and sister of Thomas, first Earl of Kellie. Jean Erskine obtained a decreet of adherence before the Commissaries at Edinburgh the same year, Ibid. III pp. 74, 75. It is said that all the three wives of John Leslie of Balquhain were alive at the same time, and that on one occasion they were all in the same kirk or Chapel of Garioch Ibid. III p. 75. He also appears to have had a natural son by another lady, Ibid, III p. 76.

On 21st January 1580, William Cumming of Inverallochy granted to her (Isobel, daughter of John Grant of Freuchie), in liferent, and to the heirs male to be born betwixt himself and her, his lands of Inverallochy, in terms of a marriage contract of the same date, “Chiefs” I p. 153; Copy Charter at Castle Grant. This Isobel is apparently identical with Elizabeth, as the latter is called by both these names. [56]

IV. GRISSEL, daughter by first marriage, married Patrick Grant, younger of Ballindalloch, “Chiefs” I p. 154; see also III pp. 397, 398, and R.M.S. 7th March 1565-6. She died before 1576. Fraser seems wrong in giving in the text 30th November 1565, as the date of the contract, as on 25th July 1586, we have a summons by John Grant, fifth of Freuchie, against Patrick Grant, now of Ballindalloch, for registering a Contract of Marriage, dated 17th March 1558, between him and Grissel Grant, “Chiefs” III pp. 397, 398.

V. MARGARET, by first marriage. She married (Contract dated 20th February 1560) Alexander Gordon, son and apparent heir of George Gordon of Beldornie, Ibid. I p. 154; Receipt for Dowry at Cast1e Grant.

VI. KATHERINE, by first marriage, named after Margaret in a document dated 1559. No further trace of her has been discovered. She probably died before 20th January 1561, “Chiefs” I p. 154.

VII. MARJORY, by first marriage, named after Margaret in a document quoted as of date 20th January, 1561, but no further information regarding her has been ascertained, Ibid. I p.154.

VIII. BARBARA, daughter by first marriage, named after Marjory on 20th January 1561, contracted in marriage on 16th November 1568, to Robert Munro, younger of [57] Foulis “Chiefs” I pp. 143, 154; III pp. 133, 134. This arrangement may not have been completed, as in April 18th 1572, she was contracted to and married Colin Mackenzie of Kintail, and had issue, Ibid. III pp. 149, 152; R.M.S. 18th May and 10th July 1574. The original contract had been dated 26th July 1570, and on the day following Colin Mackenzie gave his bond in manrent in favour of the Laird of Freuchie, specially obliging him to defend the Laird against the Clan Ranald. The contract of April 18th 1572, ratified the contract of 1570, with this addition, that, if Colin Mackenzie repudiated Barbara Grant, the Laird of Freuchie, her father should again have access to the lands of Lochbroom, “Chiefs” III pp. 142, 143; see also “Chiefs” III pp. 388-390; see supra. Colin Mackenzie also bound himself to act against Lachlan Mackintosh of Dunachton and all others, the King and the Earl of Ross excepted; the Laird of Freuchie on his part excepting the Earl of Huntly.

Eight days afterwards, at Ballachastell, on 26th April, two more contracts were signed by the parties, the first relating to the rents of Lochbroom and an arrangement to be made with Angus Macdonald of Glengarry as to the lands of Auchindrone. The second contract is a solemn renewal by both parties, under “pane off perjure and diffamatioun,” of their former bond of mutual manrent and service. Special clauses were inserted that Colin should assist Grant against Mackintosh, and that Grant should aid Colin against invasion by Hugh, Lord Fraser of Lovat. [58]

IX HELEN, daughter by first marriage. Contracted in marriage at Elgin on 17th November 1571, to Donald MacAngus Vic Alestir, younger of Glengarry, “Chiefs” I pp 143, 151; III pp 143-149; see supra. This marriage was probably a handfasting in accordance with Celtic custom. The contract was evidently an endeavour by John Grant of Freuchie to make the marriage a legal one, as by it Angus MacAlestir of Glengarry binds himself to cause Donald MacAngus, his son and apparent heir, to solemnize and complete the bond of matrimony in face of holy kirk with Helen Grant, lawful daughter of the said John Grant of Freuchie, betwixt the date above-named and the feast of St John the Baptist, called Midsummer next immediately thereafter, and to infeft Donald and Helen Grant in certain lands.

In return for the restoration of the Glengarry lands, the bridegroom’s father obliged himself to deliver to the Laird of Freuchie “ane sufficient bond of manrent quhilk may justly stand by the law of this realme,” See the Article on Lord Macdonell and Aros in “Scots Peerage,” V 561, 562 and by which Glengarry and his successors and kindred would be bound to serve Grant and his heirs in their quarrels, and especially to protect the lands and inhabitants of Urquhart and Glenmoriston, and also to hinder all thefts of cattle from Strathspey.

Alexander MacKenzie states that Donald MacAngus refused to marry Helen Grant, but his reasons for this statement are very much confused and the confirmation of 8th July 1574 of the [59] Charter of 18th November 1571 and the Crown Charter of 19th July 1574 to Donald MacAngus, throw considerable doubt on this story, “History of the Macdonalds and Lords of the Isles,” pp. 307, 308, 330, 332; see also “Clan Donald” (1904), III., p. 310 see R.M.S. MacKenzie also states that he had a natural son Angus, or Aonghas Mac Dhomnuill mhic Aonghas, by Helen Grant, Freuchie’s daughter (with whom he cohabited at Strome), who was legitimated by the following Precept, and that had he lived he would probably have succeeded to Glengarry: “Preceptum legitimationis Angusij McDonald Vc Angusij bastardi filij naturalis Donaldi McAnqus de Glengarrie, Reliqua in comuni forma. Apud Halierudhous decimie quinte die mensis Aprilis anno dni milesimo quingentisimo octuagesimo quarto. Per Signitum.” “Reg. Privy Seal,” L folio 119. That Helen Grant resided with Donald in his castle of Strome as his wife and was evidently regarded as such, appears from a complaint made to the Privy Council in 1602 (Letterfearn MS.), that he lived in habitual and constant adultery with the Captain of Clanranald’s daughter, and had put away the Laird of Grant’s daughter, his married wife. We find that this Angus entered into a contract of marriage, 24th April 1590, with Margaret, daughter of Lachlan “Mor,” sixteenth Chief of Mackintosh, “The Mackintoshes and Clan Chattan,” p. 192 and footnote. This contract was, with the consent of the respective fathers, who “have in view herein the strengthening of the friendship between the two houses, and it provides that the marriage is to take place when Angus attains his fifteenth year. In [60] this contract of marriage he is described as son and apparent heir. He was killed at Kyleakin in Skye by the Mackenzies before 17th March 1607, when he is referred to as deceased and also as a bastard. RMS 11th March 1607.

Donald married subsequent1y Margaret, daughter of Allan Macdonald of Moydart, Captain of Clanranald, and granddaughter of the famous John Moydartach, and had issue. His last wife was Katherine, a daughter of Lachlan, sixteenth Chief of Mackintosh, “The Mackintoshes and Clan Chattan” p. 192. John Grant of Freuchie seems also to have had a natural son John, who is mentioned “P.C. Register,” XII 244, 245 as a natural brother of Patrick Grant of Rothiemurchus. He and one John McAllaster were fined, the first £40, the second £20, by the Privy Council, on 30th March 1620, for shooting deer.

[Facing page 60: Graphic: Craigellachie, Aviemore]

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Part II

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