The House of Burnett (Burnet, Burnette, Burnard, Bernard) is a Lowland and

Border Borders are usually defined as geographical boundaries, imposed either by features such as oceans and terrain, or by political entities such as governments, sovereign states, federated states, and other subnational entities. Political borders ca ...

Scottish family composed of several branches. The

Chief of the Name and Arms The Scottish Gaelic word means children. In early times, and possibly even today, Scottish clan members believed themselves to descend from a common ancestor, the founder of the clan, after whom the clan is named. The clan chief (''ceannard c ...

of Burnett is James Comyn Amherst Burnett of Leys.

Origins of the name

It remains uncertain if the name of Burnett is of Saxon or Norman origins. It has been suggested that the name Burnett is derived from the

Old French Old French (, , ; Modern French: ) was the language spoken in most of the northern half of France from approximately the 8th to the 14th centuries. Rather than a unified language, Old French was a linkage of Romance dialects, mutually intel ...

''burnete'', ''brunette'', which is a

diminutive A diminutive is a root word that has been modified to convey a slighter degree of its root meaning, either to convey the smallness of the object or quality named, or to convey a sense of intimacy or endearment. A ( abbreviated ) is a word-form ...

of ''brun'' meaning "brown", "dark brown". Another proposed origin of the name is from ''burnete'', a high quality wool cloth originally dyed to a dark brown colour.''Crannog to Castle; A History of the Burnett Family in Scotland'', ed. Eileen A. Bailey (Banchory: Leys Publishing, 2000), pp. 2-3 There is also evidence which suggests that Burnett stems from the English surname of ''Burnard'', a derivative of the Anglo-Saxon name "Beornheard". Spelling variations of the name in early documents show Burnet and Burnard/Bernard being used interchangeably for the same family and at times for the same person. It is likely that the family of de Bernard first came to

Scotland Scotland (, ) is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain, mainland Scotland has a border with England to the southeast and is otherwise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to ...

with the return of

David I of Scotland David I or Dauíd mac Maíl Choluim (Modern: ''Daibhidh I mac haoilChaluim''; – 24 May 1153) was a 12th-century ruler who was Prince of the Cumbrians from 1113 to 1124 and later King of Scotland from 1124 to 1153. The youngest son of Malco ...

and that they settled in

Roxburghshire Roxburghshire or the County of Roxburgh ( gd, Siorrachd Rosbroig) is a historic county and registration county in the Southern Uplands of Scotland. It borders Dumfriesshire to the west, Selkirkshire and Midlothian to the north-west, and Be ...

Early Burnetts in Scotland

There is documented evidence of the family of Burnard in England from the

Norman Conquest The Norman Conquest (or the Conquest) was the 11th-century invasion and occupation of England by an army made up of thousands of Norman, Breton, Flemish, and French troops, all led by the Duke of Normandy, later styled William the Conq ...

in 1066, but not before. These are found in the

Domesday Book Domesday Book () – the Middle English spelling of "Doomsday Book" – is a manuscript record of the "Great Survey" of much of England and parts of Wales completed in 1086 by order of King William I, known as William the Conqueror. The manusc ...

, the Chartulary of

St Neots Priory St Neots Priory was a Benedictine monastery beside the town of St Neots in the historic county of Huntingdonshire, now a non-metropolitan district in the English county of Cambridgeshire. Anglo-Saxon monastery A monastery was first founded here ...

and in charters concerning the Waltham Abbey.George Burnett, ''The Family of Burnett of Leys; With Collateral Branches'', ed. James Allerdyce (Aberdeen: The New Spalding Club, 1901), p. 3 Roger Burnard was the Domesday tenant of Alrichesey and also held a manor in Rodedie hundred, Hampshire and the manors of Celdretone and Coteford in Wiltshire; all of which were held of William De Ow. He, his wife Margaret and his son Odo were named in several charters of St. Neot's and in one there is a mention of a daughter, Magilia Burnard. Among the English who came north in the train of

were Burnards who settled in the County of Roxburgh and owned the considerable barony of Farningdoun (aka. Fairnington). They were benefactors of

Melrose Abbey St Mary's Abbey, Melrose is a partly ruined monastery of the Cistercian order in Melrose, Roxburghshire, in the Scottish Borders. It was founded in 1136 by Cistercian monks at the request of King David I of Scotland and was the chief house of th ...

and other religious houses. They soon move on to the Northeast of Scotland, where Alexander Burnard settled near Banchory. This Alexander Burnard is considered "The first of the Deeside Burnards, or Burnetts as they were later called". George Burnett, ''The Family of Burnett of Leys; With Collateral Branches'', ed. James Allerdyce (Aberdeen: The New Spalding Club, 1901), p. 6

Burnets of Farningdoun

Roger Burnard of Faringdoun gave two grants of land of that barony; one being witnessed by his sons Geoffrey, Walter, Ralph and Richard.Eileen A. Bailey, 'The Burnets in Southern Scotland', Eileen A. Bailey, 'Saxon or Norman?',''Crannog to Castle; A History of the Burnett Family in Scotland'', ed. Eileen A. Bailey (Banchory: Leys Publishing, 2000), p. 7 Ralph, his son and heir appears in the Episcopal Records of Glasgow in 1208 as providing fuel in the form of

peat Peat (), also known as turf (), is an accumulation of partially Decomposition, decayed vegetation or organic matter. It is unique to natural areas called peatlands, bogs, mires, Moorland, moors, or muskegs. The peatland ecosystem covers and ...

to the Bishop of Glasgow. In 1252 Richard Burnard of Farningdoun sold the Eastmeadow of Faringdoun to the Abbey of Melrose, confirmed in a charter of Alexander III of Scotland that same year. After 1381 the link between the Burnards and Fairingdoun seems to have been lost.Eileen A. Bailey, 'The Burnets in Southern Scotland', ''Crannog to Castle; A History of the Burnett Family in Scotland'', ed. Eileen A. Bailey (Banchory: Leys Publishing, 2000), p. 8

Burnets of Burnetland and Barns

The Burnards or Burnets owned lands in

Peeblesshire Peeblesshire ( gd, Siorrachd nam Pùballan), the County of Peebles or Tweeddale is a historic county of Scotland. Its county town is Peebles, and it borders Midlothian to the north, Selkirkshire to the east, Dumfriesshire to the south, and ...

named for them, Burnetland. A Robert de Burnetland ( la, Robertus de Burnetvilla) was a witness to the foundation charter of

Selkirk Abbey Kelso Abbey is a ruined Scottish abbey in Kelso, Scotland. It was founded in the 12th century by a community of Tironensian monks first brought to Scotland in the reign of Alexander I. It occupies ground overlooking the confluence of the Twee ...

by David I prior to his becoming king, and to several charters afterwards.Montgomery Burnett, ''Genealogical account of the family of Burnet, of Burnetland and Barns'' (Edinburgh: 1853), p. 13 An indicator of when this family became of Barns is from the will of William Burnet of Barns, Treasurer-Clerk of Scotland, dated 30 April 1656 stating that his predecessors had held Barns for three hundred years. This would date the family's connections to Barns to at least 1356. The genealogy of the Burnet family of Burnetland and Barns traces down to when the estate was sold in 1838. At times the family of Burnet of Barns and that of Leys have contended for the chiefship of the House of Burnet.

Burnard of Ardross and Currie

Thought to be originally of the Burnards of Farningdoun, John Burnard owned part of the lands of Ardross in

Fife Fife (, ; gd, Fìobha, ; sco, Fife) is a council area, historic county, registration county and lieutenancy area of Scotland. It is situated between the Firth of Tay and the Firth of Forth, with inland boundaries with Perth and Kinross ...

and of a part of those in Currie in

Midlothian Midlothian (; gd, Meadhan Lodainn) is a historic county, registration county, lieutenancy area and one of 32 council areas of Scotland used for local government. Midlothian lies in the east- central Lowlands, bordering the City of Edinbu ...

. He accompanied king

David II of Scotland David II (5 March 1324 – 22 February 1371) was King of Scots from 1329 until his death in 1371. Upon the death of his father, Robert the Bruce, David succeeded to the throne at the age of five, and was crowned at Scone in November 1331, beco ...

on his journey south in 1346 and in the attack on the fort of

Liddell Liddell is a surname. Notable people with the surname include: * Alice Liddell (1852–1934), Lewis Carroll's "muse" * Allan Liddell (1908–1970) * Alvar Lidell (1908–1981), BBC radio announcer and newsreader * Andreas Lidel (1740s–1780s), c ...

where John Burnard was severely wounded and left at

Roxburgh Castle Roxburgh Castle is a ruined royal castle that overlooks the junction of the rivers Tweed and Teviot, in the Borders region of Scotland. The town and castle developed into the royal burgh of Roxburgh, which the Scots destroyed along with th ...

where he later died of his wounds.Eileen A. Bailey, 'The Burnets in Southern Scotland', ''Crannog to Castle; A History of the Burnett Family in Scotland'', ed. Eileen A. Bailey (Banchory: Leys Publishing, 2000), p. 23 But before he died Roxburgh surrendered to the English and it was assumed John Burnard was a traitor who joined the English. As a result, his lands were forfeited and given to Alexander Maitland. When David II was released from captivity the truth was known and the lands were restored by royal charter to John Burnard's nearest kinsman, William of Dishington. The Dishington's continued ownership until about 1700 when the lands were sold.

Burnetts in north-east Scotland

Burnetts who settled in the north-east of Scotland are primarily located in

Kincardineshire Kincardineshire, also known as the Mearns (from the Scottish Gaelic meaning "the Stewartry"), is a historic county, registration county and lieutenancy area on the coast of northeast Scotland. It is bounded by Aberdeenshire on the north and ...

and

Aberdeenshire Aberdeenshire ( sco, Aiberdeenshire; gd, Siorrachd Obar Dheathain) is one of the 32 council areas of Scotland. It takes its name from the County of Aberdeen which has substantially different boundaries. The Aberdeenshire Council area inclu ...

. These branches stemmed from the family of Leys, the ancestors of the present Chief of the Name of Burnett, James C. A. Burnett of Leys.

Burnett of Leys

Alexander Burnard, almost certainly of Farningdoun, is considered "The first of the Deeside Burnards, or Burnetts as they were later called". Alexander was an adherent of

Robert the Bruce Robert I (11 July 1274 – 7 June 1329), popularly known as Robert the Bruce (Scottish Gaelic: ''Raibeart an Bruis''), was King of Scots from 1306 to his death in 1329. One of the most renowned warriors of his generation, Robert eventuall ...

and for his services to the king he was rewarded in 1323 with land in Banchory and a position as the Royal Forester of Drum. He also received a charter of that king of the lands of Kilhenach, Clerech, and other lands in Aberdeenshire dated 28 March 1324. This was about the time the Burnard or Burnett family first took up residence on an artificial island called a crannog, on the Loch of Leys. The history of the family from this time onward is recorded in detail. During the next three centuries the Burnetts came to gain prominence in the area by making connections with the church, granting lands and other endowments. John Burnet "of Leyis", the fifth laird, was the first in this family to bear the distinction "of Leys" which from this time onward was applied both to the lands and to the family who held them. His son, Alexander Burnet of Leys was the first '

Baron Baron is a rank of nobility or title of honour, often hereditary, in various European countries, either current or historical. The female equivalent is baroness. Typically, the title denotes an aristocrat who ranks higher than a lord or kn ...

of Leys' during the reigns of

James II of Scotland James II (16 October 1430 – 3 August 1460) was King of Scots from 1437 until his death in 1460. The eldest surviving son of James I of Scotland, he succeeded to the Scottish throne at the age of six, following the assassination of his father. ...

, James III and

James IV James IV (17 March 1473 – 9 September 1513) was King of Scotland from 11 June 1488 until his death at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. He inherited the throne at the age of fifteen on the death of his father, James III, at the Battle of Sauch ...

. In 1553, Alexander Burnet of Leys, the ninth lord of Leys began construction on Crathes Castle, which was finished by his great-grandson, another Alexander, the twelfth lord, in 1596. Alexander Burnett, 12th Laird of Leys (d. 1619), Laird of Crathes Castle, acquired

Muchalls Castle Muchalls Castle stands overlooking the North Sea in the countryside of Kincardine and Mearns, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The lower course is a well-preserved Romanesque, double-groined 13th-century tower house structure, built by the Frasers o ...

about 1600 and commenced its early 17th-century reconstruction. Having died in 1619, the completion of Muchalls Castle was carried out by Alexander Burnett's son, Sir Thomas Burnett, 1st Baronet. Ownership of Muchalls Castle passed from the Burnett of Leys family about 1882. Crathes remained in the ownership of the Burnett family descendants for over 350 years, until 1952 when Sir James Burnett, 13th Baronet gave it to the National Trust for Scotland as part of Scotland's heritage.

Heraldic history

There were no known seals for Burnett of Leys before 1621. In 1550 Burnet of Burnetland (later Barns) appealed to the then

Lord Lyon King of Arms The Right Honourable the Lord Lyon King of Arms, the head of Lyon Court, is the most junior of the Great Officers of State in Scotland and is the Scottish official with responsibility for regulating heraldry in that country, issuing new grants ...

to change his motto to that already in use by Burnett of Leys, ''Virescit vulnere virtus'' (strength draws vigour from an injury).Charles J. Burnett, Ross Herald, 'The Heraldry of the Burnett Family', ''Crannog to Castle; A History of the Burnett Family in Scotland,'' ed. Eileen A. Bailey (Banchory: Leys Publishing, 2000), p. 178 Apparently successful, the Burnett of Leys lord then began using the motto ''Alterius non sit qui potest esse suus'' (he would not be another's who could be his). The earliest arms for Burnett of Leys was found on a carved panel dated to some thirteen years later showing the impaled arms of Burnett and Hamilton commemorating the marriage between Alexander Burnett (1500–1574) and Janet Hamilton (d.1557). The arms of Burnett of Leys in 1553 used a shield, charged with three holly leaves and a hunting horn, blazoned: ''Argent, three holly leaves in chief vert and a hunting horn in base sable stringed Gules.'' The crest, a hand holding a knife shown pruning a vine had the motto: ''Alterius non sit qui potest esse suus'' (same meaning as above) or a variant: ''Alterius non sit qui suis esse potest'' (who can be his would not be another's).Charles J. Burnett, Ross Herald, 'The Heraldry of the Burnett Family', ''Crannog to Castle; A History of the Burnett Family in Scotland,'' ed. Eileen A. Bailey (Banchory: Leys Publishing, 2000), p. 179 The next progression was that of Thomas Burnett of Leys, knighted in 1620, whose seal of Bore a shield with holly leaves and hunting horn, set within foliage decoration with his name and rank but no crest or motto. By 1627 and upon completion of Muchalls Castle, the impaled arms of Sir Thomas Burnet and his second wife Janet Moncreiffe now had supporters. On the

dexter Dexter may refer to: Arts and entertainment * Dexter, the main character of the American animated series '' Dexter's Laboratory'' that aired from 1996 to 2003 * Dexter, a fictional character in the British web series ''Diary of a Bad Man'' * Dext ...

side was a huntsman in contemporary dress with a hunting horn suspended from his shoulder while the

sinister Sinister commonly refers to: * Evil * Ominous Sinister may also refer to: Left side * Sinister, Latin for the direction "left" * Sinister, in heraldry, is the bearer's true left side (viewers' right side) of an escutcheon or coat of arms; see de ...

supporter was a greyhound with a collar.Charles J. Burnett, Ross Herald, 'The Heraldry of the Burnett Family', ''Crannog to Castle; A History of the Burnett Family in Scotland,'' ed. Eileen A. Bailey (Banchory: Leys Publishing, 2000), p. 180 In addition to the current motto, displayed beneath the supporters, was the motto above the hand, knife and crest, apparently ignoring the ruling of 1550 by the Lord Lyon Sir David Lindsay, the previous Burnett motto: ''Virescit vulnere virtus''. In 1672 the Scottish Parliament decided to record every coat of arms in Scotland, a project that took over twenty years to complete just the first volume.Charles J. Burnett, Ross Herald, 'The Heraldry of the Burnett Family', ''Crannog to Castle; A History of the Burnett Family in Scotland,'' ed. Eileen A. Bailey (Banchory: Leys Publishing, 2000), p. 181 Appearing in folio 122 in the first volume were the arms of Sir Thomas Burnett, 3rd Baronet (1663–1714). This version had no supporters and only one motto: ''virescit vulnere virtus.''. In 1822 King George IV visited Scotland and encouraged by Sir

Walter Scott Sir Walter Scott, 1st Baronet (15 August 1771 – 21 September 1832), was a Scottish novelist, poet, playwright and historian. Many of his works remain classics of European and Scottish literature, notably the novels '' Ivanhoe'', '' Rob Roy ...

highland chiefs were to appear before the king in their appropriate

tartan Tartan ( gd, breacan ) is a patterned cloth consisting of criss-crossed, horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours. Tartans originated in woven wool, but now they are made in other materials. Tartan is particularly associated with Sc ...

. Many of these chiefs had no idea what their tartan was and a Mr. Wilson, a weaver of Bannockburn near Stirling was quick to come up with numerous designs which was the start of the commercial tartan industry in Scotland. In a petition to the Lord Lyon, Sir Thomas, the head of an established lowland house decided the Burnetts should be considered highlanders, possibly to impress the king, and petitioned the Lord Lyon to change the huntsman supporter to a highlander with kilt. This achievement was recorded in Folio 33, in the fourth volume of the

Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland The Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland, established in 1672, is an official register of Scottish coats of arms maintained by the Lyon Clerk and Keeper of the Records. As a public register, it can be seen by anyone on application, ...

(24 October 1838). The next significant change came one hundred and twenty-nine years later when the current head of the House of Burnett, James Comyn Amherst Burnett of Leys, Baron of Kilduthie, petitioned the Lord Lyon to confirm him as heir of the undifferenced arms of Burnett of Leys.Charles J. Burnett, Ross Herald, 'The Heraldry of the Burnett Family', ''Crannog to Castle; A History of the Burnett Family in Scotland,'' ed. Eileen A. Bailey (Banchory: Leys Publishing, 2000), p. 182 The third matriculation of the Burnett arms were granted to him on 22 May 1967 with changes: a silver shield with three holly leaves, black hunting horn decorated in gold with a red strap, and the crest is a hand with a knife pruning a vine. The crest sits on a red baronial chapeau, symbolising the baronies of Leys and Kilduthie. Above the crest is the established motto: ''Verescit vulnere virtus'' and the kilt of the highlander supporter is the official Burnet of Leys tartan. The two supporters stand on a compartment (in the form of a grassy mound) with a ribbon bearing the motto: ''Alterius non sit qui suus esse potest'' not used since 1550. Following a meeting of Burnett kin in 1993 the title was formally changed to the House of Burnett. A fourth petition was made to the Lord Lyon for a Standard and a Pinsel recognising the head of the house of Burnet which was duly granted. The current

of Burnett, James C. A. Burnett, Baron of Kilduthie, arranged with the National Trust for Scotland for a room on the top floor of Crathes Castle to display items of interest for members of the Burnett family worldwide including armorial bearings.

Ramsays of Balmain

Through a marriage between Sir Thomas Burnett, 6th Baronet of Leys and the sister of Sir Alexander Ramsay, 6th Baronet of Balmain, the Burnetts became heirs of the line of Ramsay of Balmain.George Burnett, ''The Family of Burnett of Leys; With Collateral Branches'', ed. James Allerdyce (Aberdeen: The New Spalding Club, 1901), p. 101 When Sir Alexander died in 1806 s.p. his estates passed to the immediate younger brother of his heir of that line, Alexander, second son of Sir Thomas Burnett of Leys. Alexander resigned the Sheriffdom of Kincardineshire on his succession to Balmain and after some time traveling he returned and built an elegant mansion called

Fasque House Fasque, also known as Fasque House or Fasque Castle, is a mansion in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, situated near the village of Fettercairn, in the former county of Kincardineshire. Fasque was the property of the Ramsays of Balmain, and the pres ...

. By Royal licence he assumed the name and arms of Ramsay and on 13 May 1806 he was created a

Baronet A baronet ( or ; abbreviated Bart or Bt) or the female equivalent, a baronetess (, , or ; abbreviation Btss), is the holder of a baronetcy, a hereditary title awarded by the British Crown. The title of baronet is mentioned as early as the 14t ...

of the United Kingdom as Sir Alexander Ramsay of Balmain. He died at Fasque on 17 May 1810 and his descendants retained the name of Ramsay dropping the surname of Burnett altogether.

Burnetts of Craigmyle

James Burnett, son of Alexander Burnett of Leys and next younger brother of Sir Thomas Burnett, 1st Baronet of Leys. Upon his marriage in 1608 to Elizabeth Burnet, daughter of Thomas Burnett of Craigmyle and Tillihaikie, the grandson of William Burnett of Craigour, Campbell and Tillihaikie who fell at the

Battle of Pinkie Cleugh The Battle of Pinkie, also known as the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh ( , ), took place on 10 September 1547 on the banks of the River Esk near Musselburgh, Scotland. The last pitched battle between Scotland and England before the Union of the Cro ...

in 1547. He and his wife had

sasine Sasine in Scots law is the delivery of feudal property, typically land. Feudal property means immovable property, and includes everything that naturally goes with the property. For land, that would include such things as buildings, trees, and unde ...

of the lands of Craigmyle, Pitmedden and the Mill of Craigmyle.George Burnett, ''The Family of Burnett of Leys; With Collateral Branches'', ed. James Allerdyce (Aberdeen: The New Spalding Club, 1901), p. 112 By this marriage he became almost as considerable a laird as his brother Sir Thomas.Eileen A. Bailey, 'The Burnets of Craigmyle & Crimond', ''Crannog to Castle; A History of the Burnett Family in Scotland'', ed. Eileen A. Bailey (Banchory: Leys Publishing, 2000), p. 89 He was known as a peacemaker and negotiator in his time. The cadet line of Craigmyle died out in the male line after 1750.

Burnetts of Crimond

This branch descends from Robert Burnet, Lord Crimond, another brother of Sir Thomas Burnett, 1st Baronet. He was the third son of Alexander Burnet, above-mentioned, and Katherine Gordon.Eileen A. Bailey, 'The Burnets of Craigmyle & Crimond', ''Crannog to Castle; A History of the Burnett Family in Scotland'', ed. Eileen A. Bailey (Banchory: Leys Publishing, 2000), p. 92 Robert studied law in France for several years and in 1617 was admitted to the Scottish Bar. He was a Scottish advocate and Judge of the

Court of Session The Court of Session is the supreme civil court of Scotland and constitutes part of the College of Justice; the supreme criminal court of Scotland is the High Court of Justiciary. The Court of Session sits in Parliament House in Edinburg ...

in 1661 as Lord Crimond. His heir was his third son Alexander Burnett. His fifth son was

Gilbert Burnet Gilbert Burnet (18 September 1643 – 17 March 1715) was a Scottish philosopher and historian, and Bishop of Salisbury. He was fluent in Dutch, French, Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. Burnet was highly respected as a cleric, a preacher, an academi ...

Bishop of Salisbury The Bishop of Salisbury is the ordinary of the Church of England's Diocese of Salisbury in the Province of Canterbury. The diocese covers much of the counties of Wiltshire and Dorset. The see is in the City of Salisbury where the bishop's seat ...

Burnetts of Kemnay

James Burnett, the next younger brother of Sir Thomas Burnett, 1st Baronet, married Elizabeth Burnett as mentioned above. Their second son, Thomas Burnett of Kemnay was the first laird of Kemnay.Bernard Burke, ''A Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Landed Gentry of Great Britain & Ireland'', Vol. I (London: Harrison & Sons, 1894), p. 256 Thomas was a writer in Edinburgh and married Margaret Pearson, daughter of John Pearson, a merchant in Edinburgh. He purchased Kemnay from Sir George Nicolson, Lord Kemnay, a Lord of Session in 1688. Thomas died in November 1688 and is buried in Kemnay parish church. The older residence that the newer mansion replaced, was built by Sir Thomas Crombie, had been owned previously by the

Auchinleck Auchinleck ( ; sco, Affleck ;
gd, Achadh nan Leac

s and the Douglases of

Glenbervie Glenbervie (Scottish Gaelic: ''Gleann Biorbhaidh'', Scots: ''Bervie'') is located in the north east of Scotland in the Howe o' the Mearns, one mile from the village of Drumlithie and eight miles south of Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire. The river B ...

.Eileen A. Bailey, 'The Burnetts of Kemnay', ''Crannog to Castle; A History of the Burnett Family in Scotland'', ed. Eileen A. Bailey (Banchory: Leys Publishing, 2000), p. 97 The current laird of Kemnay is Susan Letitia Burnett, 9th of Kemnay.

Burnetts of Monboddo

This branch stems from James Burnet of Lagavin, the third son of James Burnett of Craigmyle and his wife Elizabeth Burnett.The Family of Burnett of Leys, ''Aberdeen University Studies'', No. 4 (Aberdeen: University of Aberdeen, 1901), pp. 143-44 In 1642 James married Isobel Forbes who died a short time later after which James married secondly Elizabeth Irvine, daughter of Robert Irvine of Monboddo and Elizabeth Douglas of Glenbervie. About 1671 James purchased Monboddo from his brothers-in-law. In addition to Monboddo, which became the seat of this branch, James acquired Kair, Whitefield, Sillyflat, Hallgreen, Johnshaven and Ballandro in Kincardineshire and Aberdeenshire. His grandson, James Burnett, the third laird of Monboddo supported the Stuart cause and was captured at the Battle of Falkirk Muir. He was held prisoner for some time but was liberated through the influence of powerful friends. But subsequent events caused him to have to sell all but Monboddo and Lagavin, which he sold to his eldest son, James Burnett, Lord Monboddo, the fourth laird who rose to become an eminent scholar and judge.

Burnetts of Camphill

This branch is apparently descended from William Burnett of Craigour, Wester Camphill and Tillihaikie who fell at the

in 1547.Eileen A. Bailey, 'The Burnetts of Camphill, Elrick and Kirkhill', ''Crannog to Castle; A History of the Burnett Family in Scotland'', ed. Eileen A. Bailey (Banchory: Leys Publishing, 2000), pp. 128-30 His son Andrew Burnett succeeded him to the lands of Camphill. In 1605 these lands were part of the Leys estate and at that time William Burnett, the son of Andrew Burnett held Camphill as a tenant. A Thomas Burnett of Camphill, mentioned in the Aberdeenshire Poll Book of 1696, was at the time living in

Aberdeen Aberdeen (; sco, Aiberdeen ; gd, Obar Dheathain ; la, Aberdonia) is a city in North East Scotland, and is the third most populous city in the country. Aberdeen is one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas (as Aberdeen City), a ...

Burnetts of Elrick

The eldest son of the abovementioned Andrew Burnett of Camphill, John Burnett (1625–1666) was the 1st of Elrick John Burnett acquired these lands by

assignation An assignment is a legal term used in the context of the law of contract and of property. In both instances, assignment is the process e whereby a person, the ''assignor'', transfers rights or benefits to another, the ''assignee''.For the assi ...

from William Innes of Kinnermonie who had a charter for Elrick in 1663.Eileen A. Bailey, 'The Burnetts of Camphill, Elrick and Kirkhill', ''Crannog to Castle; A History of the Burnett Family in Scotland'', ed. Eileen A. Bailey (Banchory: Leys Publishing, 2000), pp. 130-32 The barony of Elrick included the lands of that estate, along with the mill and croft, Smiddieland and Broomiebrae of Elrick, the lands and town of Monacabback, Ord and Scrogley of Monacabback and the lands of Snellen. The lands were still in this family after the death of Peter Burnet of Elrick in 1870.

Burnetts of Kirkhill

The first of Kirkhill, in the parish of Dyce near Aberdeen, was Alexander Burnett (1620–1685), the son of Thomas Burnett, merchant, and his wife Margaret Johnston.Eileen A. Bailey, 'The Burnetts of Camphill, Elrick and Kirkhill', ''Crannog to Castle; A History of the Burnett Family in Scotland'', ed. Eileen A. Bailey (Banchory: Leys Publishing, 2000), pp. 138-39 As a Baillie of Aberdeen Alexander Burnett was designated ''Polls'' or ''Poles'' indicating a merchant with strong trading ties to Poland, a designation his son, the 2nd laird Thomas took as a nickname. The great granddaughter of the first laird, Margaret Burnett (born 1719) eventually succeeded to Kirkhill and by her marriage to Alexander Bannerman of Frendraught, also a merchant in Aberdeen, the lands of Kirkhill passed to the Bannerman family.

Notable Burnet(t)s

(1643–1715), a Scottish historian, author, theologian and the

.''Dictionary of National Biography: Index and Epitome'', ed. Sidney Lee (New York: The Macmillan Company, 1903), p. 173 He was educated at

Marischal College Marischal College ( ) is a large granite building on Broad Street in the centre of Aberdeen in north-east Scotland, and since 2011 has acted as the headquarters of Aberdeen City Council. However, the building was constructed for and is on lon ...

, Aberdeen where he studied law, divinity and history. In 1663 he was a probationer of the Scottish church and in 1664 he studied Hebrew in

Amsterdam Amsterdam ( , , , lit. ''The Dam on the River Amstel'') is the capital and most populous city of the Netherlands, with The Hague being the seat of government. It has a population of 907,976 within the city proper, 1,558,755 in the urban ar ...

. Burnett was a professor of divinity at Glasgow in 1669 and was the king's chaplain to

Charles II of England Charles II (29 May 1630 – 6 February 1685) was King of Scotland from 1649 until 1651, and King of England, Scotland and Ireland from the 1660 Restoration of the monarchy until his death in 1685. Charles II was the eldest surviving child o ...

until he was dismissed by that monarch . He was appointed the Bishop of Salisbury in 1689. The Bishop died in 1715. * James Burnett, Lord Monboddo (1714–1799), a member of the Scottish bar he was appointed to the Court of Session where he assumed the title Lord Monboddo in 1767."James Burnett, Lord Monboddo", ''Encyclopædia Britannica Online'' 2013
/ref> He was the author of ''Of the Origin and Progress of Language'' (6 vol., 1773–92). Also ''the Decisions of the Court of Session 1738–60''. His pre-Darwinian theories traced the origins of man to the orangutan earning him a reputation as an eccentric. Yet he was regarded as a cultured original thinker of great intellect. * George Burnett (1822–1890), born at Kemnay, admitted to the Scottish bar in 1845, and appointed Lyon Depute at the

Court of the Lord Lyon The Court of the Lord Lyon (the Lyon Court) is a standing court of law, based in New Register House in Edinburgh, which regulates heraldry in Scotland. The Lyon Court maintains the register of grants of arms, known as the Public Register of All ...

in 1863. In 1866 he became the

which office he held until his death on 23 January 1890. * Major-General Sir James Burnett, 13th Baronet was a colonel of the

Gordon Highlanders Gordon may refer to: People * Gordon (given name), a masculine given name, including list of persons and fictional characters * Gordon (surname), the surname * Gordon (slave), escaped to a Union Army camp during the U.S. Civil War * Clan Gord ...

and commanded a brigade during the

World War I World War I (28 July 1914 11 November 1918), often abbreviated as WWI, was List of wars and anthropogenic disasters by death toll, one of the deadliest global conflicts in history. Belligerents included much of Europe, the Russian Empire, ...

. He was awarded the

Distinguished Service Order The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) is a military decoration of the United Kingdom, as well as formerly of other parts of the Commonwealth, awarded for meritorious or distinguished service by officers of the armed forces during wartime, ty ...

twice, mentioned in dispatches eleven times and was invested as a companion of the

Order of the Bath The Most Honourable Order of the Bath is a British order of chivalry founded by George I on 18 May 1725. The name derives from the elaborate medieval ceremony for appointing a knight, which involved bathing (as a symbol of purification) a ...

by Britain and the

Légion d'honneur The National Order of the Legion of Honour (french: Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur), formerly the Royal Order of the Legion of Honour ('), is the highest French order of merit, both military and civil. Established in 1802 by Napoleon ...

by France. * Charles Burnett (1940–), a Scottish antiquarian, museum curator, and officer of arms at the

.'Charles J Burnett, Esq', People of Today, ''Debretts'', 2013
/ref> In 1983 he was appointed Dingwall Pursuivant of Arms, and from 1988–2010 he served as Ross Herald of Arms. In 2011 he became the

Ross Herald Ross Herald of Arms Extraordinary is a Scottish herald of arms Extraordinary of the Court of the Lord Lyon. The office is however held in Extraordinary after the retirement of the last holder in Ordinary. The title of the office is derived from ...

of Arms Extraordinary which post he holds currently. *

Rear Admiral Rear admiral is a senior naval flag officer rank, equivalent to a major general and air vice marshal and above that of a commodore and captain, but below that of a vice admiral. It is regarded as a two star " admiral" rank. It is often rega ...

Philip Whitworth Burnett (10 October 1908 - 6 October 1996) was a Senior British Military Commander who served in the

Royal Navy The Royal Navy (RN) is the United Kingdom's naval warfare force. Although warships were used by English and Scottish kings from the early medieval period, the first major maritime engagements were fought in the Hundred Years' War against Fr ...

during the

Second World War World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposi ...

. * Nicholas Ridley (c. 1500 – 16 October 1555) was an English Bishop of London and Westminster, related to the Burnett Family Clan. *

Air Chief Marshal Air chief marshal (Air Chf Mshl or ACM) is a high-ranking air officer originating from the Royal Air Force. The rank is used by air forces of many countries that have historical British influence. An air chief marshal is equivalent to an Admi ...

Sir Charles Stuart Burnett (3 April 1882 - 9 April 1945), was a senior commander in the Royal Air Force during the first half of the 20th century. He was Air Officer Commanding Iraq Command during the early 1930s. During the Second World War, he served as Chief of the Air Staff of the Royal Australian Air Force *

Admiral Admiral is one of the highest ranks in some navies. In the Commonwealth nations and the United States, a "full" admiral is equivalent to a "full" general in the army or the air force, and is above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet ...

Sir Robert Lindsay Burnett was an officer in the Royal Navy.

Notable Descendants

Diana, Princess of Wales Diana, Princess of Wales (born Diana Frances Spencer; 1 July 1961 – 31 August 1997) was a member of the British royal family. She was the first wife of King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) and mother of Princes William and Harry. Her ac ...

(1961-1997) Evans, Richard K. The Ancestry of Diana, Princess of Wales: For Twelve Generations. New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2007. p.1 p. 212, p.335, p. 459 *

William, Prince of Wales William, Prince of Wales, (William Arthur Philip Louis; born 21 June 1982) is the heir apparent to the British throne. He is the elder son of King Charles III and his first wife Diana, Princess of Wales. Born in London, William was edu ...

(b.1982) Evans, Richard K. The Ancestry of Diana, Princess of Wales: For Twelve Generations. New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2007. p. 1 * Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (b.1984)

Family castle

The Burnett family of the chiefly line now resides in the House of Crathes, close to Crathes Castle. In the early 17th century the Burnetts acquired

Notes

References

{{Scottish clans Scottish families Scottish surnames Scottish Lowlands