Erskine

The name Erskine is derived from the barony of Erskine in Renfrewshire, which was owned by Henry Erskine in the 13th Century. The family are related by marriage to Robert the Bruce and always loyally followed him Another branch of the clan were the Erskines of Dun.

The Erskines were heavily involved in Scottish rule, and one of the first to reach a prominent position was Sir Robert de Erskine, who was Great Chamberlain of Scotland, and constable and keeper of the castles of Stirling, Edinburgh, Dumbarton until his death in 1385.

In 1435 Sir Robert Erskine took the ancient Celtic title of Earl of Mar, until his son had to rescind the title under the ruling of James II in 1457. Ten years later he was made Lord of Erskine. The 4th Lord of Erskine was responsible for taking care of Mary Queen of Scots when at Stirling Castle and Inchmahome, and took her to France. His son was rewarded by Mary Queen of Scots with the earldom of Mar and this remained with the family until 1716, when once again it was forfeited and once again restored a hundred years later in 1824. Through marriage, James Erskine, son of the 7th Earl of Mar acquired the earldom of Buchan.

The Erskines of Dun fell at Flodden in 1513, and their estate eventually passed to the Marquis of Ailsa in 1793.