Clan Sinclair
Encyclopedia
Clan Sinclair is a Highland
Scottish clan
of Norman
origin who held lands in the north of Scotland
, the Orkney Islands
, and the Lothian
s which they received from the Kings of Scots. The chiefs of the clan were the Barons of Roslin
and later became the Earls of Orkney
and later the Earls of Caithness
.
, in Normandy
, France. They first came to England (before they came to Scotland) with William the Conqueror during his invasion of England. The name was originally "Saint-Clair" which was a place name. Richard of Saint-Clair and Brittel of Saint-Clair are both mentioned in the Domesday Book
. William of Saint-Clair accompanied Saint Margaret of Scotland
, daughter of Edward the Exile
to Scotland
in 1068, where she eventually married Malcolm III of Scotland
. In return for his efforts, the king supposedly granted Sinclair the barony of Roslin
, Scotland "in free heritage".
Chief Sir Henry Sinclair, 2nd Baron of Roslin
(1060–1110) led a successful attack on England at the Battle of Alnwick (1093)
. One of the earliest recorded Sinclairs in Scotland was Chief Henry of Saint-Clair/Sinclair, 3rd Baron of Roslin who obtained a charter for the lands of Herdmanston in Haddingtonshire in 1160. Chief William Saint-Clair/Sinclair, 4th Baron of Roslin witnessed a charter granted by King Stephen of England
in 1135.
took place in 1263, – Chief Sir William Sinclair, 5th Baron of Roslin (1190–1270) led the soldiers of King Alexander III of Scotland
to repel the last Norwegian invasion. Today a column marks the spot where the battle took place. Every September a Viking festival celebrates the event.
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The Battle of Lewes
took place in 1264 – Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester
, England had gained great influence over other barons and bishops. They drew up the Provisions of Oxford
. King Henry III
objected. Civil war broke out. The rebellious barons won, capturing the King. After years of conflict the Crown was returned to his son Edward
. King Alexander III of Scotland had ordered Sir William Sinclair to assist King Henry III in a bloody victory. Sinclair escaped unharmed.
(1296), Sir William Sinclair of Rosslyn was captured and died later, probably in the Tower of London
. Henry his son was also captured and later sent to St. Briavels Castle. The Battle of Roslin
took place in 1303. Scots under Henry Sinclair, John Comyn, Lord of Badenoch, defeated an English force at Roslin Glen in two, possibly three, separate engagements. The Battle of Loudon Hill took place in 1307 when Scots under Henry Sinclair defeat the English. The Battle of Bannockburn
was fought in 1314, where the Clan Sinclair fight in support of Robert the Bruce
of Scotland. After the battle Robert the Bruce gave William Sinclair his sword. The Battle of Donibristle took place in 1317, William Sinclair, Bishop of Dunkeld, rallies Scots army to defeat an English invading force in Fife
.
Sir William Sinclair, heir to Henry, and his brother John are among the Scots killed at the Battle of Teba
(1330). They were attempting to carry Robert the Bruce's heart to the Holy Land. They were buried in Rosslyn Chapel.
The Battle of Neville's Cross
took place in 1346. Sir John Sinclair of Herdmanston is taken prisoner after the battle. In 1379, Sir Henry Sinclair claimed the Earldom of Orkney
through his mother and received it from King Haakon VI of Norway
. Sir Henry Sinclair was also Admiral of Scotland. The family obtained the Earldom of Orkney
, and in 1455 received land in Caithness
. The earldom of Orkney was later resigned by order of King James III of Scotland
.
, Baron of Roslin, and Lord of Shetland (c.1345-c.1400), was a Scottish explorer nobleman. He is sometimes identified by the alternative spelling Henry St Clair. He was the grandfather of William Sinclair, the builder of Rosslyn Chapel
. He is also noted for being the subject of legend that he undertook early explorations of Greenland
and North America in about the year 1398. According to a biography published many years after his death, he died in battle against the English around the year 1400.
was taken prisoner leading his tenants and associates against the English at Battle of Homildon Hill in 1402 but was soon released. In 1406 he escorted Prince James to France but the ship was captured by the English. Both were imprisoned in the Tower of London. In 1407 he escaped or was released on payment of a ransom from the Tower.
, Chief of Clan Sinclair was Admiral of Scotland in 1436 and High Chancellor in 1454. He split the family lands, disinheriting his eldest son William ("the Waster"), who later became the second Lord Sinclair
, instead giving the lands of Caithness to his third son William Sinclair, 2nd Earl of Caithness
in 1476, and the lands at Roslin to his second son, Sir Oliver Sinclair. It was around this point that the spelling "Sinclair" came into general use, although the Earls of Roslin still prefer to use the older form of "St. Clair".
in 1513, during the Anglo-Scottish Wars
, William Sinclair, 2nd Earl of Caithness was one of the nobles fighting for King James IV of Scotland
. He had previously sat in Parliament. In battle King James observed Sir William leading his followers, all wearing green. The King asked and found they were of Caithness, led by the Earl. King James wrote the renewal of Sir William's Earldom on a drumhead, the only parchment available. The drumhead was carried by runner to Sir William's lady. Sir William died in battle the next day, leaving the Earldom to his son John. William, 2nd Earl helped lead the right wing of the Scottish army that beat the English left wing. Unlike some he returned to help the rest of the Scots and was killed. There was a loss of 300 Sinclairs including George Sinclair of Keiss, Henry 3rd Lord Sinclair, Sir John Sinclair of Herdmanston, The Bishop of Caithness as well as King James IV of Scotland.
John Sinclair, 3rd Earl of Caithness (1490–1529) died at the The Battle of Somersdale/Summerdale in May 1529, leading 500 men to help James Sinclair defend Orkney. He was succeeded by his son George Sinclair 4th Earl of Caithness. William, 4th Lord Sinclair was taken prisoner. At the Battle of Solway Moss
, 1552, Scots, commanded by Oliver Sinclair
of Pitcairns were beaten by the English and Oliver Sinclair was taken prisoner, he died in 1560.
In 1568, Henry 3rd Lord Sinclair assisted Mary, Queen of Scots, to escape from Lochleven Castle. In 1570, John Sinclair, Master of Caithness, son of George Sinclair 4th Earl of Caithness burned the local Cathedral in pursuit of men from the Clan Murray
who had taken refuge in the steeple. John was later imprisoned in Castle Sinclair Girnigoe by his father until 1577.
The Battle of Dail-Riabhach
took place in 1576, involving the Clan Mackay
and Clan Sinclair. The Battle of Allt Camhna took place in 1586, involving the Clan Sinclair, Clan Mackay and Clan Gunn
.
Battle near Wick (1588) – Alexander Gordon, 12th Earl of Sutherland divorced his obnoxious Sinclair wife in 1573. He waged all out war with her father and Clan Sinclair before gaining a decisive victory outside Wick in 1588, when more than a hundred Sinclair clansmen were killed in a pitched battle on the seashore. Earl Alexander later married Jean Gordon, the divorced wife of the Earl of Bothwell
, third husband to Mary, Queen of Scots. The Sinclair's Girnigoe Castle withstood a siege by the Earl of Sutherland and his forces of the Clan Sutherland
in 1588. In 1589 George Sinclair 4th Earl invades and ravishes the lands of the Clan Sutherland. In 1592, 3 April, George 5th Earl of Caithness resigned Earldom in return for novodamus
and remainder to his son William Sinclair. On 11 December William Sinclair of Mey was knighted by King James VI of Scotland.
In 1601, 21 October, Henry 5th Lord Sinclair died and was succeeded by grandson Henry. In 1606, George 5th Earl of Caithness, was, by an Act of Parliament allowed to change the name of Girnigoe Castle to Sinclair Castle. See: Castle Sinclair Girnigoe.
The Battle of Kringen
took place in 1612, Otta, Norway, George Sinclair
was killed with most of his men in an ambush. In 1614, Henry Sinclair Wadsetter (1570–1614) died leading 100 men to besiege the Kirkwall Castle
. He became paralyzed and died at night. Kirkwall Castle was an Orkney waterfront stronghold built by Prince Henry in 1390.
In 1650, James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose
was defeated at the Battle of Carbisdale
. He was supported by the Sinclairs and Major Sinclair helped Montrose to escape but he was later betrayed by MacLeod of Assynt, imprisoned in Ardvreck Castle
, tried and killed. At the Battle of Dunbar (1650)
Sir William Sinclair of Rosslyn was killed leading the Clan Sinclair. He was the last Knight to be buried in full armour below Rosslyn Chapel
. General Monck sacked Rosslyn Castle but the Chapel was spared although used for stabling horses. Sir John Sinclair of Rosslyn sent to Tynemouth Castle. In 1651, at the Battle of Worcester
the Clan Sinclair led by John 9th Lord Sinclair fought for King Charles II. John Sinclair was captured by Cromwell's forces Imprisoned in the Tower of London
and then at Windsor Castle
until 1660 when he was liberated by General Monck. In 1657, George Sinclair 6th Earl of Caithness was present when Oliver Cromwell
was proclaimed Chief Magistrate of the three nations in Edinburgh
.
The Battle of Altimarlech
took place in 1680, A battle took place between Clan Campbell
and Clan Sinclair. Legend has it that so many Sinclairs were killed that the Campbells were able to cross the river without getting their feet wet. Clearly, however, the Sinclairs had influence in high places as only a few years later, in 1681, they regained the earldom by an order of Parliament. In 1698, George Sinclair 7th Earl of Caithness died. He was succeeded by John Sinclair of Murchill (Murkle) 8th Earl, his cousin.
In 1708, Chief John, Master of Sinclair (Son of Henry Lord Sinclair) Kills Ensign Schaw and Captain Alexander Schaw in duels. He was exiled to Prussia
but later pardoned by Queen Anne of Great Britain
. In 1715, John Master of Sinclair captured a vessel with 420 stand of arms bound for the Earl of Sutherland. In 1715, at the Battle of Sheriffmuir
David Sinclair of Brabsterdorran fights for Jacobite cause, as did John, Master of Sinclair who fled to Orkney and then to Europe. In 1733, 3 November, John Sinclair of Murkle the younger son of John 8th Earl created Lord Murkle. In 1736, Sir James Sinclair glazed the windows for the first time of Rosslyn Chapel
, relaid the floor with flagstones and repaired the roof of the chapel. In 1736, Sir James Sinclair of Rosslyn resigned his office as hereditary Grand Master Mason of Scotland to the Scottish Lodges on their foundation. He was later Reappointed for his life. In 1739, 17 June, Major Malcolm Sinclair 'A good and faithful servant of Sweden
' was charged with affairs of State, he was assassinated at Grunberg in Siesia by agents of Czarina Anna of Russia.
was appointed the Commander of the British Forces in Flanders
. In 1746, 16 April, at the Battle of Culloden
. Sir James Sinclair of Rosslyn commanded The Royal Scots
on the British Hanoverian government side. About 500 Caithness Sinclairs were ready to join the Jacobites, but instead followed their chief James Sinclair, who supported the British Hanoverians. In 1750, Sir William Sinclair of Dunbeath Founded Baptist Church at Keiss.
. He later became a Major General. In 1761, 10 March, Sir James Sinclair M.P. who should have been 11th Lord Sinclair was gazetted a General. In 1777, 29 December, at the Battle of Charlestown, Virginia, USA John Sinclair, son and heir of William, a Major in 76th Foot wounded in the groin by a musket ball when reconnoitering with Sir Henry Clinton.
Castles that were either built by the Sinclairs or came into their possession include:
The clan has the following septs
:
.
Scottish Highlands
The Highlands is an historic region of Scotland. The area is sometimes referred to as the "Scottish Highlands". It was culturally distinguishable from the Lowlands from the later Middle Ages into the modern period, when Lowland Scots replaced Scottish Gaelic throughout most of the Lowlands...
Scottish clan
Scottish clan
Scottish clans , give a sense of identity and shared descent to people in Scotland and to their relations throughout the world, with a formal structure of Clan Chiefs recognised by the court of the Lord Lyon, King of Arms which acts as an authority concerning matters of heraldry and Coat of Arms...
of Norman
Normans
The Normans were the people who gave their name to Normandy, a region in northern France. They were descended from Norse Viking conquerors of the territory and the native population of Frankish and Gallo-Roman stock...
origin who held lands in the north of Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
, the Orkney Islands
Orkney Islands
Orkney also known as the Orkney Islands , is an archipelago in northern Scotland, situated north of the coast of Caithness...
, and the Lothian
Lothian
Lothian forms a traditional region of Scotland, lying between the southern shore of the Firth of Forth and the Lammermuir Hills....
s which they received from the Kings of Scots. The chiefs of the clan were the Barons of Roslin
Baron of Roslin
Baron of Roslin was a Scottish peerage held by the chief of the Clan Sinclair.*William Sinclair, 1st Baron of Roslin, *Henry Sinclair, 2nd Baron of Roslin, *Henry Sinclair, 3rd Baron of Roslin,...
and later became the Earls of Orkney
Earl of Orkney
The Earl of Orkney was originally a Norse jarl ruling Orkney, Shetland and parts of Caithness and Sutherland. The Earls were periodically subject to the kings of Norway for the Northern Isles, and later also to the kings of Alba for those parts of their territory in mainland Scotland . The Earl's...
and later the Earls of Caithness
Earl of Caithness
Earl of Caithness is a title that has been created several times in the Peerage of Scotland, and has a very complex history. Its first grant, in the modern sense as to have been counted in strict lists of peerages, is now generally held to have taken place in favor of Maol Íosa V, Earl of...
.
Origins of the clan
The Sinclairs were a noble family which had its origins in Saint-Clair-sur-EpteSaint-Clair-sur-Epte
Saint-Clair-sur-Epte is a commune in the Val-d'Oise department in Île-de-France in northern France.Henry I of England seized the castle of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte in 1118. -See also:*Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte*Epte*Communes of the Val-d'Oise department...
, in Normandy
Normandy
Normandy is a geographical region corresponding to the former Duchy of Normandy. It is in France.The continental territory covers 30,627 km² and forms the preponderant part of Normandy and roughly 5% of the territory of France. It is divided for administrative purposes into two régions:...
, France. They first came to England (before they came to Scotland) with William the Conqueror during his invasion of England. The name was originally "Saint-Clair" which was a place name. Richard of Saint-Clair and Brittel of Saint-Clair are both mentioned in the Domesday Book
Domesday Book
Domesday Book , now held at The National Archives, Kew, Richmond upon Thames in South West London, is the record of the great survey of much of England and parts of Wales completed in 1086...
. William of Saint-Clair accompanied Saint Margaret of Scotland
Saint Margaret of Scotland
Saint Margaret of Scotland , also known as Margaret of Wessex and Queen Margaret of Scotland, was an English princess of the House of Wessex. Born in exile in Hungary, she was the sister of Edgar Ætheling, the short-ruling and uncrowned Anglo-Saxon King of England...
, daughter of Edward the Exile
Edward the Exile
Edward the Exile , also called Edward Ætheling, son of King Edmund Ironside and of Ealdgyth. After the Danish conquest of England in 1016 Canute had him and his brother, Edmund, exiled to the Continent...
to Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
in 1068, where she eventually married Malcolm III of Scotland
Malcolm III of Scotland
Máel Coluim mac Donnchada , was King of Scots...
. In return for his efforts, the king supposedly granted Sinclair the barony of Roslin
Roslin
Roslin may refer to:Scotland:*Roslin, Midlothian, a village in Midlothian, south of Edinburgh, Scotland, Home to the famous Rosslyn Chapel*Roslin Castle*Roslin Institute, where Dolly the Sheep was cloned...
, Scotland "in free heritage".
Chief Sir Henry Sinclair, 2nd Baron of Roslin
Baron of Roslin
Baron of Roslin was a Scottish peerage held by the chief of the Clan Sinclair.*William Sinclair, 1st Baron of Roslin, *Henry Sinclair, 2nd Baron of Roslin, *Henry Sinclair, 3rd Baron of Roslin,...
(1060–1110) led a successful attack on England at the Battle of Alnwick (1093)
Battle of Alnwick (1093)
The Battle of Alnwick is one of two battles fought near the town of Alnwick, in Northumberland, England. In the battle, which occurred on 13 November 1093, Malcolm III of Scotland, also known as Malcolm Canmore, was killed together with his son Edward, by an army of knights led by Robert de...
. One of the earliest recorded Sinclairs in Scotland was Chief Henry of Saint-Clair/Sinclair, 3rd Baron of Roslin who obtained a charter for the lands of Herdmanston in Haddingtonshire in 1160. Chief William Saint-Clair/Sinclair, 4th Baron of Roslin witnessed a charter granted by King Stephen of England
Stephen of England
Stephen , often referred to as Stephen of Blois , was a grandson of William the Conqueror. He was King of England from 1135 to his death, and also the Count of Boulogne by right of his wife. Stephen's reign was marked by the Anarchy, a civil war with his cousin and rival, the Empress Matilda...
in 1135.
Scottish-Norwegian War
The Battle of LargsBattle of Largs
The Battle of Largs was an engagement fought between the armies of Norway and Scotland near the present-day town of Largs in North Ayrshire on the Firth of Clyde in Scotland on 2 October 1263. It was the most important military engagement of the Scottish-Norwegian War. The Norwegian forces were...
took place in 1263, – Chief Sir William Sinclair, 5th Baron of Roslin (1190–1270) led the soldiers of King Alexander III of Scotland
Alexander III of Scotland
Alexander III was King of Scots from 1249 to his death.-Life:...
to repel the last Norwegian invasion. Today a column marks the spot where the battle took place. Every September a Viking festival celebrates the event.
Battle of Lewes
The Battle of Lewes was one of two main battles of the conflict known as the Second Barons' War. It took place at Lewes in Sussex, on 14 May 1264...
took place in 1264 – Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester
Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester
Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester, 1st Earl of Chester , sometimes referred to as Simon V de Montfort to distinguish him from other Simon de Montforts, was an Anglo-Norman nobleman. He led the barons' rebellion against King Henry III of England during the Second Barons' War of 1263-4, and...
, England had gained great influence over other barons and bishops. They drew up the Provisions of Oxford
Provisions of Oxford
The Provisions of Oxford are often regarded as England's first written constitution ....
. King Henry III
Henry III of England
Henry III was the son and successor of John as King of England, reigning for 56 years from 1216 until his death. His contemporaries knew him as Henry of Winchester. He was the first child king in England since the reign of Æthelred the Unready...
objected. Civil war broke out. The rebellious barons won, capturing the King. After years of conflict the Crown was returned to his son Edward
Edward I of England
Edward I , also known as Edward Longshanks and the Hammer of the Scots, was King of England from 1272 to 1307. The first son of Henry III, Edward was involved early in the political intrigues of his father's reign, which included an outright rebellion by the English barons...
. King Alexander III of Scotland had ordered Sir William Sinclair to assist King Henry III in a bloody victory. Sinclair escaped unharmed.
Wars of Scottish Independence
At the Battle of DunbarBattle of Dunbar (1296)
The Battle of Dunbar was the only significant field action in the campaign of 1296. King Edward I of England had invaded Scotland in 1296 to punish King John Balliol for his refusal to support English military action in France.-Background:...
(1296), Sir William Sinclair of Rosslyn was captured and died later, probably in the Tower of London
Tower of London
Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, more commonly known as the Tower of London, is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England. It lies within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, separated from the eastern edge of the City of London by the open space...
. Henry his son was also captured and later sent to St. Briavels Castle. The Battle of Roslin
Battle of Roslin
The Battle of Roslin was a battle of the First War of Scottish Independence, taking place on 24 February 1303 at Roslin, Scotland. It is the subject of an extremely highly-coloured account written by Walter Bower in the mid-15th century which bears no relationship to the contemporary evidence.It...
took place in 1303. Scots under Henry Sinclair, John Comyn, Lord of Badenoch, defeated an English force at Roslin Glen in two, possibly three, separate engagements. The Battle of Loudon Hill took place in 1307 when Scots under Henry Sinclair defeat the English. The Battle of Bannockburn
Battle of Bannockburn
The Battle of Bannockburn was a significant Scottish victory in the Wars of Scottish Independence...
was fought in 1314, where the Clan Sinclair fight in support of Robert the Bruce
Robert I of Scotland
Robert I , popularly known as Robert the Bruce , was King of Scots from March 25, 1306, until his death in 1329.His paternal ancestors were of Scoto-Norman heritage , and...
of Scotland. After the battle Robert the Bruce gave William Sinclair his sword. The Battle of Donibristle took place in 1317, William Sinclair, Bishop of Dunkeld, rallies Scots army to defeat an English invading force in Fife
Fife
Fife is a council area and former county of Scotland. It is situated between the Firth of Tay and the Firth of Forth, with inland boundaries to Perth and Kinross and Clackmannanshire...
.
Sir William Sinclair, heir to Henry, and his brother John are among the Scots killed at the Battle of Teba
Battle of Teba
The Battle of Teba took place in August 1330, in the valley below the fortress of Teba, now a town in the province of Málaga in Andalusia, southern Spain...
(1330). They were attempting to carry Robert the Bruce's heart to the Holy Land. They were buried in Rosslyn Chapel.
The Battle of Neville's Cross
Battle of Neville's Cross
The Battle of Neville's Cross took place to the west of Durham, England on 17 October 1346.-Background:In 1346, England was embroiled in the Hundred Years' War with France. In order to divert his enemy Philip VI of France appealed to David II of Scotland to attack the English from the north in...
took place in 1346. Sir John Sinclair of Herdmanston is taken prisoner after the battle. In 1379, Sir Henry Sinclair claimed the Earldom of Orkney
Earldom of Orkney
The Earldom of Orkney was a Norwegian dignity in Scotland which had its origins in the Viking period. The title of Earl of Orkney was passed down the same family line through to the Middle Ages....
through his mother and received it from King Haakon VI of Norway
Haakon VI of Norway
Haakon VI of Norway was King of Norway from 1343 until his death and King of Sweden from 1362 until 1364, when he was deposed by Albert of Mecklenburg in Sweden.-Background:...
. Sir Henry Sinclair was also Admiral of Scotland. The family obtained the Earldom of Orkney
Earldom of Orkney
The Earldom of Orkney was a Norwegian dignity in Scotland which had its origins in the Viking period. The title of Earl of Orkney was passed down the same family line through to the Middle Ages....
, and in 1455 received land in Caithness
Caithness
Caithness is a registration county, lieutenancy area and historic local government area of Scotland. The name was used also for the earldom of Caithness and the Caithness constituency of the Parliament of the United Kingdom . Boundaries are not identical in all contexts, but the Caithness area is...
. The earldom of Orkney was later resigned by order of King James III of Scotland
James III of Scotland
James III was King of Scots from 1460 to 1488. James was an unpopular and ineffective monarch owing to an unwillingness to administer justice fairly, a policy of pursuing alliance with the Kingdom of England, and a disastrous relationship with nearly all his extended family.His reputation as the...
.
Henry I Sinclair, Earl of Orkney
Henry I Sinclair, Earl of OrkneyHenry I Sinclair, Earl of Orkney
Henry I Sinclair, Earl of Orkney and feudal baron of Roslin was a Scottish nobleman. He is sometimes identified by another spelling of his surname, St. Clair. He was the grandfather of William Sinclair, 1st Earl of Caithness, the builder of Rosslyn Chapel...
, Baron of Roslin, and Lord of Shetland (c.1345-c.1400), was a Scottish explorer nobleman. He is sometimes identified by the alternative spelling Henry St Clair. He was the grandfather of William Sinclair, the builder of Rosslyn Chapel
Rosslyn Chapel
Rosslyn Chapel, properly named the Collegiate Chapel of St Matthew, was founded on a small hill above Roslin Glen as a Roman Catholic collegiate church in the mid-15th century...
. He is also noted for being the subject of legend that he undertook early explorations of Greenland
Greenland
Greenland is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark, located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Though physiographically a part of the continent of North America, Greenland has been politically and culturally associated with Europe for...
and North America in about the year 1398. According to a biography published many years after his death, he died in battle against the English around the year 1400.
Henry II Sinclair, Earl of Orkney
Henry II Sinclair, Earl of OrkneyHenry II Sinclair, Earl of Orkney
Henry Sinclair, 2nd Earl of Orkney was a Scottish nobleman and Pantler of Scotland.-Life:He was son of Henry Sinclair, 1st Earl of Orkney by his wife Jean, daughter of John Halyburton of Dirleton. Sinclair was one of those captured following the Battle of Homildon Hill, but released on ransom...
was taken prisoner leading his tenants and associates against the English at Battle of Homildon Hill in 1402 but was soon released. In 1406 he escorted Prince James to France but the ship was captured by the English. Both were imprisoned in the Tower of London. In 1407 he escaped or was released on payment of a ransom from the Tower.
William Sinclair, 1st Earl of Caithness
William Sinclair, 1st Earl of Caithness and Orkney, and Baron of RoslinWilliam Sinclair, 1st Earl of Caithness
William Sinclair , 1st Earl of Caithness , 3rd Earl of Orkney , Baron of Roslin was a Scottish nobleman and the builder of Rosslyn Chapel, in Midlothian....
, Chief of Clan Sinclair was Admiral of Scotland in 1436 and High Chancellor in 1454. He split the family lands, disinheriting his eldest son William ("the Waster"), who later became the second Lord Sinclair
Lord Sinclair
Lord Sinclair is a title in the Peerage of Scotland. It was created in 1449 for William Sinclair, 3rd Earl of Orkney. In 1470, Lord Orkney surrendered the earldom in return for the earldom of Caithness. In 1477, Lord Caithness wished to disinherit his eldest son from his first marriage to Lady...
, instead giving the lands of Caithness to his third son William Sinclair, 2nd Earl of Caithness
William Sinclair, 2nd Earl of Caithness
William Sinclair, 2nd Earl of Caithness was a Scottish nobleman born in Ravenscraig Castle, Kirkcaldy, Scotland to William Sinclair, 1st Earl of Caithness and Marjory Sutherland. He married Margaret Keith, daughter of Sir Gilbert Keith...
in 1476, and the lands at Roslin to his second son, Sir Oliver Sinclair. It was around this point that the spelling "Sinclair" came into general use, although the Earls of Roslin still prefer to use the older form of "St. Clair".
16th century clan conflicts and Anglo-Scottish wars
At the Battle of Flodden FieldBattle of Flodden Field
The Battle of Flodden or Flodden Field or occasionally Battle of Branxton was fought in the county of Northumberland in northern England on 9 September 1513, between an invading Scots army under King James IV and an English army commanded by the Earl of Surrey...
in 1513, during the Anglo-Scottish Wars
Anglo-Scottish Wars
The Anglo-Scottish Wars were a series of wars fought between England and Scotland during the sixteenth century.After the Wars of Scottish Independence, England and Scotland had fought several times during the fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. In most cases, one country had attempted to...
, William Sinclair, 2nd Earl of Caithness was one of the nobles fighting for King James IV of Scotland
James IV of Scotland
James IV was King of Scots from 11 June 1488 to his death. He is generally regarded as the most successful of the Stewart monarchs of Scotland, but his reign ended with the disastrous defeat at the Battle of Flodden Field, where he became the last monarch from not only Scotland, but also from all...
. He had previously sat in Parliament. In battle King James observed Sir William leading his followers, all wearing green. The King asked and found they were of Caithness, led by the Earl. King James wrote the renewal of Sir William's Earldom on a drumhead, the only parchment available. The drumhead was carried by runner to Sir William's lady. Sir William died in battle the next day, leaving the Earldom to his son John. William, 2nd Earl helped lead the right wing of the Scottish army that beat the English left wing. Unlike some he returned to help the rest of the Scots and was killed. There was a loss of 300 Sinclairs including George Sinclair of Keiss, Henry 3rd Lord Sinclair, Sir John Sinclair of Herdmanston, The Bishop of Caithness as well as King James IV of Scotland.
John Sinclair, 3rd Earl of Caithness (1490–1529) died at the The Battle of Somersdale/Summerdale in May 1529, leading 500 men to help James Sinclair defend Orkney. He was succeeded by his son George Sinclair 4th Earl of Caithness. William, 4th Lord Sinclair was taken prisoner. At the Battle of Solway Moss
Battle of Solway Moss
The Battle of Solway Moss took place on Solway Moss near the River Esk on the English side of the Anglo-Scottish Border in November 1542 between forces from England and Scotland.-Background:...
, 1552, Scots, commanded by Oliver Sinclair
Oliver Sinclair
Sir Oliver Sinclair de Pitcairnis , , was a favourite courtier of James V of Scotland. A contemporary story tells that James V gave him the battle standard and command at the Battle of Solway Moss...
of Pitcairns were beaten by the English and Oliver Sinclair was taken prisoner, he died in 1560.
In 1568, Henry 3rd Lord Sinclair assisted Mary, Queen of Scots, to escape from Lochleven Castle. In 1570, John Sinclair, Master of Caithness, son of George Sinclair 4th Earl of Caithness burned the local Cathedral in pursuit of men from the Clan Murray
Clan Murray
Clan Murray is a Highland Scottish clan. The Murrays were a great and powerful clan whose lands and cadet houses were scattered throughout Scotland.- Origins of the Clan :...
who had taken refuge in the steeple. John was later imprisoned in Castle Sinclair Girnigoe by his father until 1577.
The Battle of Dail-Riabhach
Battle of Dail-Riabhach
The Battle of Dail-Riabhach was a Scottish clan battle that took place in the year 1576. It was fought between members of the Highland Clan MacKay, with the involvement of John Sinclair, 5th Earl of Caithness, chief of the Clan Sinclair....
took place in 1576, involving the Clan Mackay
Clan MacKay
Clan Mackay is an ancient and once powerful Scottish clan from the far north of the Scottish Highlands, but with roots in the old kingdom of Moray. They were a powerful force in politics beginning in the 14th century, supporting Robert the Bruce. In the centuries that followed they were...
and Clan Sinclair. The Battle of Allt Camhna took place in 1586, involving the Clan Sinclair, Clan Mackay and Clan Gunn
Clan Gunn
Clan Gunn is a Scottish clan associated with northeastern Scotland, including Caithness and Sutherland as well as the Orkney Islands.The clan's origins stretch over the sea to Norway, and the Clan Gunn themselves claim descent from the legendary viking Sweyn Asleifsson, the progenitor of the clan,...
.
Battle near Wick (1588) – Alexander Gordon, 12th Earl of Sutherland divorced his obnoxious Sinclair wife in 1573. He waged all out war with her father and Clan Sinclair before gaining a decisive victory outside Wick in 1588, when more than a hundred Sinclair clansmen were killed in a pitched battle on the seashore. Earl Alexander later married Jean Gordon, the divorced wife of the Earl of Bothwell
James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell
James Hepburn, 1st Duke of Orkney , better known by his inherited title as 4th Earl of Bothwell, was hereditary Lord High Admiral of Scotland. He is best known for his association with and subsequent marriage to Mary, Queen of Scots, as her third husband...
, third husband to Mary, Queen of Scots. The Sinclair's Girnigoe Castle withstood a siege by the Earl of Sutherland and his forces of the Clan Sutherland
Clan Sutherland
Clan Sutherland is a Highland Scottish clan whose traditional territory is located in the region of Sutherland in northern highlands of Scotland and was one of the most powerful Scottish clans. The clan seat is at Dunrobin Castle, Sutherland...
in 1588. In 1589 George Sinclair 4th Earl invades and ravishes the lands of the Clan Sutherland. In 1592, 3 April, George 5th Earl of Caithness resigned Earldom in return for novodamus
Charter of novodamus
A charter of novodamus, in Scottish feudal land law, is a fresh grant of lands to the grantee. It is usually granted to make some change in the incidents of tenure of land already granted, or to resolve doubts about the grant or its terms....
and remainder to his son William Sinclair. On 11 December William Sinclair of Mey was knighted by King James VI of Scotland.
17th century clan conflicts and Civil War
The Battle of Kringen
Battle of Kringen
The Battle of Kringen was a battle perpetrated by a Norwegian peasant militia against Scottish mercenary soldiers who were on their way to enlist in the Swedish army for the Kalmar War....
took place in 1612, Otta, Norway, George Sinclair
George Sinclair (mercenary)
George Sinclair was a Scottish mercenary who fought in the Kalmar War, and was posthumously remembered in Norway. In Norway, his name is often rendered Sinklar.-Early life:...
was killed with most of his men in an ambush. In 1614, Henry Sinclair Wadsetter (1570–1614) died leading 100 men to besiege the Kirkwall Castle
Kirkwall Castle
Kirkwall Castle, also known as King's Castle, was located in Kirkwall, the main settlement in the Orkney Islands of Scotland. Built in the 14th century, it was deliberately destroyed in 1614. The last ruins were cleared in the 19th century...
. He became paralyzed and died at night. Kirkwall Castle was an Orkney waterfront stronghold built by Prince Henry in 1390.
In 1650, James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose
James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose
James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose was a Scottish nobleman and soldier, who initially joined the Covenanters in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, but subsequently supported King Charles I as the English Civil War developed...
was defeated at the Battle of Carbisdale
Battle of Carbisdale
The Battle of Carbisdale took place close to the Village of Culrain on 27 April 1650 and was part of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms...
. He was supported by the Sinclairs and Major Sinclair helped Montrose to escape but he was later betrayed by MacLeod of Assynt, imprisoned in Ardvreck Castle
Ardvreck Castle
Standing on a rocky promontory jutting out into Loch Assynt in Sutherland, north west Highland, Scotland, Ardvreck Castle is a ruined castle dating from the 16th century. The ruins can be reached by driving along the A837 which follows the north shore of Loch Assynt from the village of Inchnadamph...
, tried and killed. At the Battle of Dunbar (1650)
Battle of Dunbar (1650)
The Battle of Dunbar was a battle of the Third English Civil War. The English Parliamentarian forces under Oliver Cromwell defeated a Scottish army commanded by David Leslie which was loyal to King Charles II, who had been proclaimed King of Scots on 5 February 1649.-Background:The English...
Sir William Sinclair of Rosslyn was killed leading the Clan Sinclair. He was the last Knight to be buried in full armour below Rosslyn Chapel
Rosslyn Chapel
Rosslyn Chapel, properly named the Collegiate Chapel of St Matthew, was founded on a small hill above Roslin Glen as a Roman Catholic collegiate church in the mid-15th century...
. General Monck sacked Rosslyn Castle but the Chapel was spared although used for stabling horses. Sir John Sinclair of Rosslyn sent to Tynemouth Castle. In 1651, at the Battle of Worcester
Battle of Worcester
The Battle of Worcester took place on 3 September 1651 at Worcester, England and was the final battle of the English Civil War. Oliver Cromwell and the Parliamentarians defeated the Royalist, predominantly Scottish, forces of King Charles II...
the Clan Sinclair led by John 9th Lord Sinclair fought for King Charles II. John Sinclair was captured by Cromwell's forces Imprisoned in the Tower of London
Tower of London
Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, more commonly known as the Tower of London, is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England. It lies within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, separated from the eastern edge of the City of London by the open space...
and then at Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is a medieval castle and royal residence in Windsor in the English county of Berkshire, notable for its long association with the British royal family and its architecture. The original castle was built after the Norman invasion by William the Conqueror. Since the time of Henry I it...
until 1660 when he was liberated by General Monck. In 1657, George Sinclair 6th Earl of Caithness was present when Oliver Cromwell
Oliver Cromwell
Oliver Cromwell was an English military and political leader who overthrew the English monarchy and temporarily turned England into a republican Commonwealth, and served as Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland....
was proclaimed Chief Magistrate of the three nations in Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
.
The Battle of Altimarlech
Battle of Altimarlech
The Battle of Altimarlach or Battle of Altimarlech was a Scottish clan battle that took place on 13 July 1680. It was fought between the Clan Campbell and Clan Sinclair.-Background:...
took place in 1680, A battle took place between Clan Campbell
Clan Campbell
Clan Campbell is a Highland Scottish clan. Historically one of the largest, most powerful and most successful of the Highland clans, their lands were in Argyll and the chief of the clan became the Earl and later Duke of Argyll.-Origins:...
and Clan Sinclair. Legend has it that so many Sinclairs were killed that the Campbells were able to cross the river without getting their feet wet. Clearly, however, the Sinclairs had influence in high places as only a few years later, in 1681, they regained the earldom by an order of Parliament. In 1698, George Sinclair 7th Earl of Caithness died. He was succeeded by John Sinclair of Murchill (Murkle) 8th Earl, his cousin.
18th century and Jacobite Uprisings
During the 1715 Jacobite Risings the Clan Sinclair supported the Jacobite cause, however by the time of the 1745 Jacobite Rising the Clan Sinclair supported the British Hanoverian Government.1715 Jacobite Rising
Prussia
Prussia was a German kingdom and historic state originating out of the Duchy of Prussia and the Margraviate of Brandenburg. For centuries, the House of Hohenzollern ruled Prussia, successfully expanding its size by way of an unusually well-organized and effective army. Prussia shaped the history...
but later pardoned by Queen Anne of Great Britain
Anne of Great Britain
Anne ascended the thrones of England, Scotland and Ireland on 8 March 1702. On 1 May 1707, under the Act of Union, two of her realms, England and Scotland, were united as a single sovereign state, the Kingdom of Great Britain.Anne's Catholic father, James II and VII, was deposed during the...
. In 1715, John Master of Sinclair captured a vessel with 420 stand of arms bound for the Earl of Sutherland. In 1715, at the Battle of Sheriffmuir
Battle of Sheriffmuir
The Battle of Sheriffmuir was an engagement in 1715 at the height of the Jacobite rebellion in England and Scotland.-History:John Erskine, 6th Earl of Mar, standard-bearer for the Jacobite cause in Scotland, mustered Highland chiefs, and on 6 September declared James Francis Edward Stuart as King...
David Sinclair of Brabsterdorran fights for Jacobite cause, as did John, Master of Sinclair who fled to Orkney and then to Europe. In 1733, 3 November, John Sinclair of Murkle the younger son of John 8th Earl created Lord Murkle. In 1736, Sir James Sinclair glazed the windows for the first time of Rosslyn Chapel
Rosslyn Chapel
Rosslyn Chapel, properly named the Collegiate Chapel of St Matthew, was founded on a small hill above Roslin Glen as a Roman Catholic collegiate church in the mid-15th century...
, relaid the floor with flagstones and repaired the roof of the chapel. In 1736, Sir James Sinclair of Rosslyn resigned his office as hereditary Grand Master Mason of Scotland to the Scottish Lodges on their foundation. He was later Reappointed for his life. In 1739, 17 June, Major Malcolm Sinclair 'A good and faithful servant of Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
' was charged with affairs of State, he was assassinated at Grunberg in Siesia by agents of Czarina Anna of Russia.
1745 Jacobite Rising
In 1745, 4 June, Sir James Sinclair of Rosslyn, a Lieutenant general with The Royal ScotsThe Royal Scots
The Royal Scots , once known as the Royal Regiment of Foot, was the oldest, and therefore most senior, infantry regiment of the line in the British Army, having been raised in 1633 during the reign of Charles I of Scotland...
was appointed the Commander of the British Forces in Flanders
Flanders
Flanders is the community of the Flemings but also one of the institutions in Belgium, and a geographical region located in parts of present-day Belgium, France and the Netherlands. "Flanders" can also refer to the northern part of Belgium that contains Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp...
. In 1746, 16 April, at the Battle of Culloden
Battle of Culloden
The Battle of Culloden was the final confrontation of the 1745 Jacobite Rising. Taking place on 16 April 1746, the battle pitted the Jacobite forces of Charles Edward Stuart against an army commanded by William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, loyal to the British government...
. Sir James Sinclair of Rosslyn commanded The Royal Scots
The Royal Scots
The Royal Scots , once known as the Royal Regiment of Foot, was the oldest, and therefore most senior, infantry regiment of the line in the British Army, having been raised in 1633 during the reign of Charles I of Scotland...
on the British Hanoverian government side. About 500 Caithness Sinclairs were ready to join the Jacobites, but instead followed their chief James Sinclair, who supported the British Hanoverians. In 1750, Sir William Sinclair of Dunbeath Founded Baptist Church at Keiss.
Colonial wars
In 1759, Lt. A. Sinclair Carried the Colours for General Wolfe at the Battle of the Heights of AbrahamBattle of the Plains of Abraham
The Battle of the Plains of Abraham, also known as the Battle of Quebec, was a pivotal battle in the Seven Years' War...
. He later became a Major General. In 1761, 10 March, Sir James Sinclair M.P. who should have been 11th Lord Sinclair was gazetted a General. In 1777, 29 December, at the Battle of Charlestown, Virginia, USA John Sinclair, son and heir of William, a Major in 76th Foot wounded in the groin by a musket ball when reconnoitering with Sir Henry Clinton.
Sinclair castles
- Roslin CastleRoslin CastleRoslin Castle is a partially ruined castle near the village of Roslin in Midlothian, Scotland. It is located around 9 miles south of Edinburgh, on the north bank of the North Esk, only a few hundred metres from the famous Rosslyn Chapel.There has been a castle on the site since the early 14th...
, in MidlothianMidlothianMidlothian is one of the 32 council areas of Scotland, and a lieutenancy area. It borders the Scottish Borders, East Lothian and the City of Edinburgh council areas....
, is considered to be the earliest seat of the Sinclairs in Scotland. It was probably begun by Henry I Sinclair, Earl of OrkneyHenry I Sinclair, Earl of OrkneyHenry I Sinclair, Earl of Orkney and feudal baron of Roslin was a Scottish nobleman. He is sometimes identified by another spelling of his surname, St. Clair. He was the grandfather of William Sinclair, 1st Earl of Caithness, the builder of Rosslyn Chapel...
(c.1345-c.1400). His family also built the famed Rosslyn ChapelRosslyn ChapelRosslyn Chapel, properly named the Collegiate Chapel of St Matthew, was founded on a small hill above Roslin Glen as a Roman Catholic collegiate church in the mid-15th century...
nearby.
- Castle Sinclair Girnigoe is perhaps the best-known Sinclair Castle. It was dramatically situated on the cliffs just outside Wick. Although now ruined, it is well worth a visit and it still contains both a secret chamber in the vaulting of the kitchen ceiling and a grim dungeon where, it is said, the 4th Earl of Caithness imprisoned his son and heir and fed him salt beef so that eventually he died mad with thirst.
- Castle of MeyCastle of MeyThe Castle of Mey is located in Caithness, on the north coast of Scotland, about west of John o' Groats. In fine weather there are views from the castle north to the Orkney Islands.-History:...
is another former Sinclair property which although was originally known as the Castle of Mey, its name was changed for a time to Barrogill Castle. It was built by George Sinclair, 4th Earl of Caithness. In 1952 the castle was purchased by HM The Queen MotherElizabeth Bowes-LyonElizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon was the queen consort of King George VI from 1936 until her husband's death in 1952, after which she was known as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, to avoid confusion with her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II...
who changed its name back to Castle of Mey.
- Sinclairs have owned, at one time or another, a great many Scottish castles, including Ackergill TowerAckergill TowerAckergill Tower is a Scottish castle located north of Wick, Caithness. It is a category A listed building.-Early history:The Clan Keith, under John Keith, inherited the lands of Ackergill in 1354, from the Cheynes family...
, Braal CastleBraal CastleBraal Castle is located by the River Thurso north of the village of Halkirk, in Caithness, northern Scotland. The ruined castle, which dates back to the mid-14th century, was originally known as the Castle of Brathwell.-History:...
, Brims Castle, Dunbeath CastleDunbeath CastleDunbeath Castle is located on the east coast of Caithness, south of Dunbeath, in northern Scotland. Although a castle has stood here since the 15th century, the present building is of mainly 17th-century origin, with 19th century extensions.-History:...
, Keiss CastleKeissKeiss is a fishing village at the northern end of Sinclairs Bay on the east coast of Caithness in the Scottish council area of Highland.Keiss Castle, which is now partially ruined, is located less than 1 mile north of the village centre, on sheer cliffs, overlocking the bay, and has been a major...
, and the Castle of Old Wick.
Clan profile
- Clan Chief: Malcolm Ian Sinclair, 20th Earl of Caithness
- Crest badge: Note: the crest badge is made up of the chief's heraldic crest and motto,
- Chief's mottoMottoA motto is a phrase meant to formally summarize the general motivation or intention of a social group or organization. A motto may be in any language, but Latin is the most used. The local language is usual in the mottoes of governments...
: Commit thy work to God (sometimes styled as Latin "Revela Domino opera tua") - Chief's crest: A cock rampant
- Chief's motto
- Clan plant badge: WhinGorseGorse, furze, furse or whin is a genus of about 20 plant species of thorny evergreen shrubs in the subfamily Faboideae of the pea family Fabaceae, native to western Europe and northwest Africa, with the majority of species in Iberia.Gorse is closely related to the brooms, and like them, has green...
- Lands: MidlothianMidlothianMidlothian is one of the 32 council areas of Scotland, and a lieutenancy area. It borders the Scottish Borders, East Lothian and the City of Edinburgh council areas....
, Orkney and CaithnessCaithnessCaithness is a registration county, lieutenancy area and historic local government area of Scotland. The name was used also for the earldom of Caithness and the Caithness constituency of the Parliament of the United Kingdom . Boundaries are not identical in all contexts, but the Caithness area is... - Gaelic Name: Mac na Ceardadh
- Origin of Name: Placename, French de Sancto Claro
- Pipe MusicBagpipesBagpipes are a class of musical instrument, aerophones, using enclosed reeds fed from a constant reservoir of air in the form of a bag. Though the Scottish Great Highland Bagpipe and Irish uilleann pipes have the greatest international visibility, bagpipes of many different types come from...
: Spaidsearachd Mhic nan Cearda (The Sinclair's March)
Septs
Sept (social)
A sept is an English word for a division of a family, especially a division of a clan. The word might have its origin from Latin saeptum "enclosure, fold", or it can be an alteration of sect.The term is found in both Ireland and Scotland...
:
- Budge
- Caird
- Clouston
- Clyne
- Laird
- Linklater
- Lyall
- Mason
- Purdie
- Snoddy
- Peace
Archives
The archives for the Sinclair Family Papers are maintained by the Archives of the University of Glasgow (GUAS)Archives of the University of Glasgow
The Archives of the University of Glasgow maintain the historical records of the University of Glasgow back to its foundation in 1451. Its earliest record is a charter dating from 1304 for the lands of the earliest mention of record-keeping in the University is in 1490 when it is recorded in...
.
See also
- Sinclair (surname)Sinclair (surname)The Scoto-Norman surname Sinclair comes from the Clan Sinclair whose progenitors conquered England with William the Conqueror then moved to Scotland and were given the land of Roslin, Midlothian by the King of Scots....
- Earl of CaithnessEarl of CaithnessEarl of Caithness is a title that has been created several times in the Peerage of Scotland, and has a very complex history. Its first grant, in the modern sense as to have been counted in strict lists of peerages, is now generally held to have taken place in favor of Maol Íosa V, Earl of...
- Rosslyn ChapelRosslyn ChapelRosslyn Chapel, properly named the Collegiate Chapel of St Matthew, was founded on a small hill above Roslin Glen as a Roman Catholic collegiate church in the mid-15th century...
- Roslin CastleRoslin CastleRoslin Castle is a partially ruined castle near the village of Roslin in Midlothian, Scotland. It is located around 9 miles south of Edinburgh, on the north bank of the North Esk, only a few hundred metres from the famous Rosslyn Chapel.There has been a castle on the site since the early 14th...
- Castle Sinclair Girnigoe
- Scottish clanScottish clanScottish clans , give a sense of identity and shared descent to people in Scotland and to their relations throughout the world, with a formal structure of Clan Chiefs recognised by the court of the Lord Lyon, King of Arms which acts as an authority concerning matters of heraldry and Coat of Arms...
- Clan Sinclair TrustClan Sinclair TrustThe Clan Sinclair Trust is a Scottish trust which was formed with the main objective of rescuing and preserving Castle Sinclair Girnigoe and of developing a visitor centre and library. The Chief Executive is Malcolm Sinclair, 20th Earl of Caithness and John Sinclair, 3rd Viscount Thurso and are...