Elliot

The Elliots originate from the Borders of Scotland, although there is a village in Angus which is called Eliot, and some think the name may have originated from here. The two major branches of the family are the Elliots of Redheugh (being the principal family) and the Elliots of Stobs, who orginated in the 16th Century. Gilbert Elliot of Stobs was made Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1666 by Charles II for being one of the first people to settle in that area of the world.

Elliots who have been particularly noted in the history annals, are, George, the youngest son of the 3rd baronet and Gilbert Elliot of Stobs. George served in the army in the War of the Austrian Succession, and was made Governor of Gibraltar in 1779, after Spain and France attacked that bastion. In the attack Spain and France employed over 100,000 men, 48 ships and 450 cannon, but under the leadership of George Elliot the fortress was kept British. Unfortunatley the next leader of Gibraltar lost the fortress to the Spanish and French.

Gilbert Elliot was founder of the Minto family and was a lawyer. He was condemned for high treason in 1685, after campaigning for religious liberty. He received a pardon and was created a Lord of Session as Lord Minto in 1705. His great grandson was made of Earl of Minto in 1813 after serving as the Governor General of India.