Innes

The Innes clan can claim to be of Flemish origin from as far back as the 12th Century. The majority of their lands were in the province of Moray. It is said that Beowald, who was described as Flemish received the lands of Innes from Malcolm IV in 1160.

The name Innes was assumed when his grandson took the lands and received confirmation of his charter from Alexander II in 1226. Through marriage of the 9th chief, the lands of Aberchirder were received in the 14th Century. This allowed the family to spread out over the North of Scotland. Through the years many charters were given to the Hays. Robert, 20th of Innes, was created a baronet in 1625 and Sir Harry, 4th Baronet married a daughter of Duncan Forbes of Culloden. The 6th Baronet sold his land to the Earl of Fife and moved to England, but on the death of the 4th Duke of Roxborough, as heir-general he claimed the Scottish estates and title of that family. He took the name Ker and became the 5th Duke of Roxborough. James, 6th Duke was made Earl of Innes in 1836.

Other branches of Inneses include the Inneses of Innermarkie, from where the family of Balveny are descended.