Forbes

The Forbes have been traced back to John of Forbes in the 13th Century whose land was in Aberdeenshire. In the early 14th Century, Alexander of Forbes were both killed in battle. Later in 1442 Alexander Forbes was made Baron Forbes by King James II and married the great grandaughter of Robert III.

The Culloden branch of the Forbes were descended from Sir John Forbes of Forbes. Duncan Forbes, the laird of Culloden, was Lord President of the Court at the time of the 1745 Rising tried to stop many of the clans from joining the forces of Prince Charles. If he had been successful, it may have been possible to stem the rising peacefully. He received no commendation for his loyalty to King George II.

The peerage of Pitslig was given to Alexander Forbes in 1633, but was later forfeited after Alexander, 4th Lord Pitsligo took part in the Jacobite Rising in 1745. This led to the title becoming dormant.

The Forbes of Craigievar were descended from James, 2nd Lord Forbes. Sir William, 8th of Craigievar, succeeded his cousin as Lord Sempill, Premier Baron of Scotland.