Clan Straiton
Clan Straiton,[3] also called Straton or Stratton,[2] is a Lowland Scottish clan. The clan does not currently have a chief therefore it is considered an Armigerous clan.
| Clan Straiton | |
|---|---|
| Motto | Surgere Tento (I strive to rise)[1] |
| Clan Straiton has no chief, and is an armigerous clan | |
| Historic seat | Lauriston Castle[2] |
History
Origins of the clan
The barony of Straiton is in the county of Midlothian on the outskirts of the city of Edinburgh.[3] There are also baronies of a similar name in Ayrshire and in Fife.[3] The historian Alexander Nisbet said that the family received their lands of Straiton from David I of Scotland.[3] Alexander Straiton of that Ilk and Andrew Straiton of Craig served on the inquest for Sir Alexander Fraser of Pilforth to succeed to the estates of his grandfather.
Wars of Scottish Independence
In 1296 Thomas de Straton appeared on the Ragman Rolls.[3] Alexander de Straton was one of the signatories to the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320.[3] The historian George Fraser Black has suggested that he may be the same Alexander de Straton who is described as of our blood in a charter by David II of Scotland to him.[3] In 1351 John de Stratton dominus ejusdem (of that Ilk) witnessed a charter of lands.[3]
15th century
In 1411 Alexander Straiton,[3] or Stratton,[2] was killed at the Battle of Harlaw.[2][3] The Clan Straiton also held lands in Aberdeenshire and near Inverness.[3] In 1451 Cristina de Stratone granted a charter in favour of the Friars Preachers in Aberdeen.[3]
Castles
- Straiton, which was four and a half miles south of Edinburgh Castle was held by the clan from the thirteenth century or earlier.[2] There was a hall house although there are no longer any remains of it.[2] The Strattons were still in possession of it in the middle of the fifteenth century.[2]
- Lauriston Castle which is four miles to the south of Laurencekirk, Kincardineshire was originally held by the Clan Stirling but was held by the Strattons from the thirteenth century until 1695.[2]
- Kirkside, which is three miles north of Montrose, Angus is a substantial 18th century mansion that incorporates older work, that was held by the Strattons from 1582 to 1872.[2]
- Seabegs, which is to the south-east of Bonnybridge, West Lothian was held by the Strattons in the twelfth century and there are the remains of a Motte.[2]
Clan Profile
- Arms: Argent, three bars counter embattled Azure.
- Crest: A falcon rising Proper
- Motto: Surgere tento (I strive to rise)
- Supporters: Dexter, a lion rampant Or; sinister, a bloodhound Sable
See also
References
- Clan Straiton Profile scotclans.com. Retrieved 13 July 2014.
- Coventry, Martin. (2008). Castles of the Clans: The Strongholds and Seats of 750 Scottish Families and Clans. pp. 562. ISBN 978-1-899874-36-1.
- Way, George and Squire, Romily. (1994). Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. (Foreword by The Rt Hon. The Earl of Elgin KT, Convenor, The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs). pp. 461 - 462.