Sinclair

The Clan Sinclair originates from William de Sancto and Normandy, who received lands of the barony of Roslin, Mid-Lothian, in the 12th century.

Sir Henry supported Robert the Bruce and his son, Sir William went with Sir James Douglas to the Holy Land, to bury Bruce's heart, but were attacked and slain by the Moors in Spain.

The son of Sir William recieved the earldom of Orkney through marriage to the Countess of Orkney. The 3rd Earl founded Roislin Chapel in 1446, and the Earldom of Caithness in 1455.

James III bought Orkney from the Sinclairs, and the earldom of Caithness was involved in longstanding feuds with many other clans. The 6th Earl was so in debt that he gave his lands in a disposition to Sir John Campbell of Glenorchy. Sir John took the estates in 1676, and his claim to the title was argued by George Sinclair of Keiss.

The Campbells defeated the Sinclairs in battle, but the Sinclairs claim to the title was established in 1681.

There are many branches of the Sinclair clan, including: the Sinclairs of Ulster, but there is no connection to the Sinclairs of Argyll.