Clan Bannatyne
Clan Bannatyne (Bannatyne Tartan)
Crest: A demi-griffin, in his dexter paw a sword erect, Proper
Motto: Nec Cito Nec Tarde (Neither fast nor slow)
Origin of Tartan: There is no Bannatyne Tartan Registered. The Campbell tartan is the most relevant.
Origin of Name: From the placename Bennachtain, the location of which is unknown,
Lands: New Lanark, Bute, Arran
Region:Lowlands
Historic Seat: Corra Castle - historic seat, now ruinous. And Kames Castle on Bute
Clan Chief: None, armigerous clan
1. Clan Bannatyne History
Shall we explore the realm of the Bannatynes? The Bute (later Arran) Bannatynes, based in Kames, and the Lanarkshire Bannatynes, based in Corhouse, are the two main branches to investigate. It's best to treat these two branches as separate clans because the relationship between them is a little hazy.
The Bute Bannatynes have an even richer history, as they assert their septalage within Clan Campbell with pride.
Regarding the name Bannatyne's origin, it is said to have come from the enigmatic place of Bennachtain. But nobody knows for sure where it is exactly located. Over time, the name's spelling has changed, going by different names like Benachtyne and Bannachtyne.
Early records of the Bannatyne surname can be found in medieval manuscripts when we go back through the annals of history. Consider William de Bennothine, who between 1153 and 1177 witnessed a grant made by David Olifard to the Hospital of Soltre.
Not to be overlooked is Nicolas de Benothyne, who, from 1278 to 1294, signed a charter granted by William de Moravia to support the same hospital.
Sir Richard of Bannochtine, also known as "Bannachty," made his mark in the domain of Corhouse.
His son, Sir John Bannatyne, carried on his legacy by using the correct spelling until the reign of Charles II. Oh, the legends these names have accumulated over the years!
1.1 Bannatyne of Kames
Gilbert, son of Gilbert, received a charter for the threepenny lands of Kylmacolmac, in the center of the island, back in 1318, during the reign of Walter the High Steward. His responsibility? to supply the army with one expert archer and announce his presence at three Bute courts. That shows a great deal of dedication!
Let's now discuss the Bannatynes. They ensnared Cainys, who is now known to us as Kames. This small village, which is proudly part of Argyll and Bute, is nestled comfortably on the Cowal peninsula.
Alexander III's reign saw Gilbert Bannatyne of Kames truly flourish and establish a reputation for himself. And in 1334, John Bannatyne, his grandson, assumed leadership as laird and even held the esteemed post of keeper at Rothesay Castle for the Stewart family. How about keeping everything within the family?
The Bannatynes are said to have ruled the thriving town of Rothesay for a very long time, even before the Town Council was established, and most definitely before Rothesay was made a Royal Burgh.
There is no concrete evidence to support the legend that Robert the Bruce rewarded them for their bravery at Bannockburn. Still, the Bannatynes had a great deal of influence, particularly with the monarchs.
You only need to take a quick trip to Port Bannatyne, a small village located approximately three miles away from Rothesay, to observe their enduring influence.
The Bannatynes have ruled Kames since the early 1300s, as evidenced by old charters and bonds of man rent. According to legend, it was during this period that Kames Castle, a robust tower that served as their stronghold for generations, was built.
Gilbert, son of Gilbert, obtained this valuable property by charter from none other than King Alexander III.
The legendary Bannatyne of Kames sat atop the Bute Bannatynes, guiding the family vessel through the ebb and flow of time.
1.2 Spence and Bannatyne Feud
The expansive estates of Kames and Wester Kames held distinct stories about the land surrounding them.
They divided the produce of the land between them at times, and at other times they exchanged ownership. The powerful Stuarts of Bute, the Bannatynes ruling at Kames, and the Spens over at Wester Kames were among the major kahunas.
Hector Bannatyne of Kames stood tall, representing the land barons of Bute, while Matthew Spence held it down for the land barons of Rothesay back in 1638 when people were signing the National Covenant.
According to legend, the workers discovered a tumulus—a hilly mound concealing long-forgotten secrets—while constructing a road.
They discovered a scattering of human bones among the stones that were rumored to be the remains of a Spence from Wester Kames who had been killed in combat by the Bannatynes of Easter Kames.
There is a story that he found his eternal resting place exactly where he fell, and his family remembered him by erecting a cairn.
In 1547, the chief of the clan signed a strong alliance with the Stuarts of Bute, demonstrating their unity against any dissidents—apart from the King and the Earl of Argyll, naturally. Prior to that, in 1538, Bannatyne had made another agreement in which he bound himself to the Earl with his back to the wall.
It began when some of Bannatyne's tenants in Cowal staged a small-scale rent revolt. He made the decision to resolve them and went over with a few witnesses, one of whom was a Spence.
They refused to give in to his demands that they pay up or get out of dodge. They refused to back down even after he returned a few weeks later and threw some furniture out of their houses. He gathered up their cattle because he was fed up, but they retaliated, spearheaded by young Lamont of Inveryne.
Furious, Bannatyne protested to Argyle that the promised help had not materialized. After Argyle hauled Inveryne to Dunoon court, it ended up on the Sheriff of Kyle's desk. Although there isn't a documented decision, the lands were owned by the Bannatyne family from 1475 until 1623.
They remained close to the Campbell Chiefs following that ordeal, with Bannatyne of Kames being a Campbell in all but name.
These days, when we speak of Campbell ties, we only mean the Bannatynes of Bute and, subsequently, Arran. Not every Bannatyne has that relationship.
Bannatynes are more common in Arran than in Bute these days.
1.3 Bannatynes of Corhouse
Many refer to this group as the original Bannatynes. We are discussing the Bannatynes, who have a long history in Corhouse and Newtyle.
In February 1626, James Bannatyne, son of the laird of Newtyle, achieved a major victory when he was elected to the position of lord of session. Sadly, in 1636 he departed from this life.
They have an interest in Cainys, who is currently known as Kames, relaxing on the Isle of Bute, and don't overlook Kelly, which was established by another son in that family.
1.3.1 Corra Castle
The Bannatyne Family used Corra Castle, which was first built in the fifteenth century, as a fortified farmhouse. As of right now, the Corehouse Estate is the owner.
There's an estate in Ayrshire called Bonnytin, though it's not entirely clear if it's connected to the Bannatynes.
It's time to discuss the Ballantynes of Peebles. In the eighteenth century, these people were significant players in the Scottish wool market. Back in 1829, they were instrumental in forming the Scottish tweed industry.
1.3.2 Possible connection to the Earls of Lennox
Although this seems like a scribal error, Bannatyne is referred to as the "Chief of the MacAmelynes" in the 1547 Bond. This suggests that his name is more Gaelic in origin, which may indicate the true ancestry of this kin.
Amhalghaidh, which occasionally goes by the name Aulay, is one potential source of this name. Allan of Faslane's great-grandfather was Aulay, the son of Alwin, the 2nd Earl of Lennox.
Until 1672, Bannatyne of Kames' coat of arms consisted of a red shield with a silver chevron positioned between three golden stars. At first glance, it doesn't appear to be similar to the Earls of Lennox's arms, which are silver with a red saltire positioned between four red roses.
On occasion, though, a Bannatyne has employed arms that resemble the Lennox arms in that they have a silver chevron positioned between four red stars.
Stars are not roses, but the whole effect could point to a possible connection to heraldry experts. Further research into a possible connection between the Earls of Lennox and the Bannatynes of Kames may yield fruit.
2. Clan Bannatyne Tartans
As members of Clan Campbell, those bearing the Bannatyne surname are entitled to wear the Campbell tartans, even though there isn't an official tartan registered for the Bannatyne name.
Campbell Ancient
3. Clan Bannatyne Crest & Coats of Arms
3.1 Clan Bannatyne Crest
Worn by all of the name and ancestry
Crest Description:
A demi-griffin, in his dexter paw a sword erect, Proper
3.2 Clan Bannatyne Coats of Arms
A note on Coats of Arms:
Gules, a chevron, Argent, between three mullets, Or.
4. Clan Bannatyne Places & People
4.1 Clan Bannatyne Places
Built in the sixteenth century, Corra Castle is situated in Lanarkshire and was once the Bannatyne family's stronghold. Nevertheless, the castle is currently in a state of ruin and abandonment.
4.2 Clan Bannatyne People
4.2.1 George Bannatyne (1545–1608)
Known as the Bannatyne Manuscript, it is praised as a Middle Scots literary gold mine. Many works by artists such as Alexander Scott, Lyndsay, Henryson, Dunbar, and Montgomerie can be found inside.
The National Library of Scotland proudly maintains it secure to this day.
4.2.2 Richard Bannatyne (died 1605)
John Bannatyne was a Scottish scribe and clergyman who worked as John Knox's secretary.
4.2.3 Sir William Macleod Bannatyne FRSE (1743–1833)
Born of Isabel, the lassie of Hector Bannatyne of Kames, and Roderick Macleod, she is a charming Scottish advocate, judge, and history enthusiast. In 1765, he assumed the wig and filled Lord Swinton's position. Then, after inheriting his maw's lands on the island of Bute, he ascended the social ladder to become Lord Bannatyne.
He dedicated his life to building Kames Castle, which is located on the island close to the quaint little town of Port Bannatyne. Unfortunately, he had to sell it to the Hamiltons in 1812 and bid it farewell.
After traveling to Edinburgh, Bernadine passed away at Whiteford House in the Canongate. These days, our ain retired veterans use that location as a comfortable home.
5. Associated Names
It is acknowledged that Bannatyne is a sept of Clan Campbell. But this connection to the Campbell family is mainly regarding the Bannatynes of Bute and later Arran.