Camelot International > Historic Roots
Hay
The Hays can be traced back to the 12th Century to a William de la
Haye who arrived in Scotland and married a Celtic heiress. He was granted
lands by William the Lion in around 1180. His grandson, 3rd Baron of
Erroll, was co-Regent of Scotland.
The family were supporters of Robert the Bruce, and Sir Gilbert, 5th
chief was one of the heroes of the Scottish War of Independence. Robert
gave him Slains Castle in Buchan and made him hereditary Constable of
Scotland. Later the belt, Earl of Erroll, was given to William the 9th
chief.
The Hays lost a lot of men at Flodden, and in 1594, Francis the 5th
Earl fought in alliance with Huntly at Glenlivet and defeated Argyll.
James VI blew up Slains Castle after realising that Francis was plotting
with the Spanish. The castle was rebuilt in 1664.
In 1627. Sir George Hay was created Viscount Dupplin and Lord Hay of
Kingauns and later recieved Earl of Kinnoul. The 9th and 10th Earls
held the office of Lord Lyon until that role became standardised.
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