Johnston

The name Johnston occurs in records as far back as the 13th century, and the clan is notorious for their power in Border warfare around that time. The name was first derived from the barony of Johnston of Annadale.

The Johnstons always supported the Crown and for their services were given the titles Lord Johnston of Lochwood in 1633 by Charles I and ten years later Earl of Hartfell. The line became extinct and was given to 2nd Earl of Hartfell who died in 1672. His son recieved Marquess of Annandale in 1701, although this line again became dormant.

Other branches of the Johnstons include the Johnstons of Westerhall in Dumfrieshire, and John 2nd of westerhall, was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1700. The Johnstons of the north claim descendancy from Stiven de Johnston in the 14th century whose grandson possessed the lands of Ballindalloch. From this branch also came a Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1626. An unjust execution of the 3rd Baronet took place in London in 1690, when he attended the wedding of Captain Campbell of Mamore, who was thought to have abducted Miss Wharton. Captain Campbell managed to flee to Scotland, but the Baronet was betrayed by his landlord for the paltry sum of 50 pounds and killed by the authorities.

The 4th baronet was out for the Jacobites in the 1745 Rising, and his son was killed at the Battle of Sherrifmuir.