Source References

Acts of the Lords of Council in Civil Causes, Vol. II, pp. 29, 53, 483, 489–490.

Acts of the Lords of Council in Public Affairs, 1538.

Facts from the Records

Mr David Guthrie of that Ilk appears in the Acts of the Lords of Council in connection with the administration and defense of the lands and interests of the Guthrie family.

The records identify him as “Mr David Guthrie of that Ilk” and, in a later proceeding, as Provost of that Ilk. These references are treated here as the same individual rather than separate Guthries.

In the litigation recorded on 17 January 1496–97, Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk was involved in a dispute concerning the detention and spuilzie of grain belonging to John Dempster of Auchterless. The broader proceedings establish the legal and property network within which the Guthrie family was operating during this period.

An earlier proceeding on Vol. II, p. 53 is particularly important. Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk appeared in litigation concerning grain and property, with John Guthrie appearing among the witnesses. The proceeding also establishes the prominence of the Guthrie of that Ilk family within the Dundee/Brechin legal network.

On 12 March 1500–01, Elizabeth Guthrie, widow of Alexander Maule, appeared through Mr David Guthrie, provost of that Ilk, in an action concerning her rights in the lands of Cammystone and Hadirweik.

Elizabeth asserted her rights under her conjunct infeftment. The Lords protected her possession and recognized her claim, making David’s role as her procurator or legal representative explicit.

This record is significant because it identifies David not simply as “of that Ilk,” but specifically as “provost of that Ilk.”The office designation reinforces the identification of this David with the same individual appearing elsewhere in the Guthrie proceedings.

On 17 March 1500–01, David appears in connection with the important litigation concerning Kirktoun and Eastertoun of Guthrie. The proceeding refers to an earlier letter under the seal of Thomas Tulloch of Bonnyngtoun, addressed to the late Mr David Guthrie of that Ilk.

The case concerned competing claims to the Guthrie lands and the validity of documents relating to those lands. The reference to David as “late” demonstrates that he had died by March 1500–01.

The proceedings therefore provide a useful chronological endpoint for David’s life and establish that he was sufficiently prominent within the Guthrie estate to be involved in its documentary and legal affairs.

Cross-Source Evidence

The repeated use of the designation “Mr David Guthrie of that Ilk”, together with the later designation “provost of that Ilk,” supports treating the references as one individual.

The evidence places David within the same Guthrie of that Ilk succession and legal network as Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk.

The 17 March 1500–01 reference to the late Mr David Guthrie of that Ilk is particularly useful because it provides evidence that David was deceased by that date.

The Elizabeth Guthrie/Alexander Maule proceeding also provides an important family-network connection. Elizabeth Guthrie was the widow of Alexander Maule, and her legal representation by David places him in a position of trust or authority within the extended Guthrie/Maule network.

The record should not, however, be interpreted as proving a specific parent-child or sibling relationship between David and Elizabeth without additional evidence.

Relationship to Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk

David’s precise relationship to Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk requires careful consideration.

The Acts establish that David was a senior member of the Guthrie of that Ilk family and that his affairs were closely connected with the Guthrie estate.

The reference to the late Mr David Guthrie of that Ilk in the Eastertoun/Kirktoun litigation occurs while Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk was actively defending and administering Guthrie property.

This strongly supports placing David in the immediate preceding generation of the Guthrie of that Ilk family, but the Acts alone do not explicitly state that he was Alexander’s father.

That relationship is now established by separate primary-source evidence for Sir Alexander: the 23 August 1474 sasine in GD188/1/1 identifies Alexander Guthrie as son and heir of the deceased David Guthre of Guthrie, knight.

Accordingly, the combined evidence establishes:

Sir David Guthrie of Guthrie, knight → Alexander Guthrie, son and heir

while the Acts provide additional evidence concerning the legal and social position of David as Mr David Guthrie of that Ilk / Provost of that Ilk.

Whether the David Guthrie of the 1474 sasine and the Mr David Guthrie of that Ilk appearing in the Acts are to be understood as the same individual is strongly supported by the chronology, territorial designation, and succession evidence.

Genealogical Significance

Mr David Guthrie of that Ilk is an important transitional figure in the Guthrie of that Ilk succession.

The combined evidence establishes:

• David Guthrie of Guthrie, knight, as the father of the later Sir Alexander Guthrie;
• Alexander’s status as son and heir in 1474;
• Mr David Guthrie of that Ilk as a prominent member of the Guthrie family during the late fifteenth century;
• David’s identification as Provost of that Ilk;
• his involvement in the legal affairs of the Guthrie estate;
• his representation of Elizabeth Guthrie, widow of Alexander Maule;
• and his death before 17 March 1500–01.

The identification of David as Provost of that Ilk is particularly useful because it demonstrates that the Guthrie family held a position of local authority and that David was operating within both the landed and civic/legal structures of his community.

Research Priorities

Further research should seek:

• additional records identifying Mr David Guthrie of that Ilk / Provost of that Ilk;
• records documenting his tenure of the office of provost;
• additional evidence concerning his marriage and children;
• the identity and family of his wife;
• additional records connecting him with Elizabeth Guthrie and the Maule family;
• the full documentary sequence surrounding Kirktoun and Eastertoun of Guthrie;
• and additional records in GD188/1/1, Writs of the Lands of Guthrie, that may clarify the succession from David to Alexander.

The relationship between David and Elizabeth Guthrie should remain an open research question rather than being inferred solely from their legal association.

Current Assessment

Identity: Documented — Mr David Guthrie of that Ilk.

Alternative designation: Documented — Provost of that Ilk.

Territorial association: Guthrie, Angus/Forfarshire.

Status: Prominent member of the Guthrie of that Ilk family; involved in legal and property affairs.

Father of Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk: Documented through the 23 August 1474 sasine in GD188/1/1, which identifies Alexander as son and heir of David Guthre of Guthrie, knight.

Relationship to Elizabeth Guthrie, widow of Alexander Maule: Legal association documented; precise family relationship unresolved.

Death: Documented as deceased by 17 March 1500–01.

Relationship to the later Guthrie of that Ilk succession: Strongly established through the combined succession and Acts evidence.

Source References

Writs of the Lands of Guthrie, National Records of Scotland, GD188/1/1, sasine dated 23 August 1474.

Acts of the Lords of Council in Civil Causes, Vol. II, pp. 53, 144, 298, 351, 373, 486, 489–490; Vol. III, pp. 29, 126, 170, 189, 218, 221.

Acts of the Lords of Council in Public Affairs, 1538 and 1549.

Facts from the Records

A sasine among the Writs of the Lands of Guthrie dated 23 August 1474 identifies Alexander Guthrie as son and heir of the deceased David Guthre of Guthrie, knight, in connection with the lands of Guthrie.

This provides direct primary-source evidence that Alexander was the son and heir of Sir David Guthrie of Guthrie. The record does not identify Alexander’s mother.

The 1474 record provides an important chronological anchor for the later Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk, knight, who appears repeatedly in the Acts of the Lords of Council from the 1490s through the early sixteenth century.

Mother: Documented — Jonete, wife of Sir David Guthrie. Her surname is not established by the cited primary evidence; “Dundas” remains a traditional identification requiring confirmation.

Sir Alexander’s earliest appearance in this record set is on 17 January 1496–97, when he pursued John Dempster of Auchterless concerning the alleged wrongful detention and spuilzie of substantial quantities of grain. The disputed property included 40 chalders of oats, 10 chalders of bere, and half a chalder of pease, allegedly taken from the lands of Pettintostale by William Carmichael. Sir Alexander had become pledge before the justice in the justice ayre of Dundee.

On 19 March 1497–98, the Lords ordered Sir Alexander to restore the same grain to John Dempster because he had failed to prove that it had already been restored and paid for. Execution of distraint against his lands and goods was temporarily postponed by consent of the parties.

On 14 January 1498–99, William Carmichael protested concerning a summons raised by Sir Alexander requiring Carmichael to relieve and keep him skaithless in connection with the grain claimed by Dempster. Sir Alexander failed to appear to pursue the matter. A further protest concerning the same relief action appears on 31 January 1499–1500.

On 20 January 1499–1500, Sir Alexander pursued William Carmichael concerning ten chalders of oats, with Carmichael appointing procurators in the action. These proceedings form part of the continuing series of litigation over the grain taken from the lands of Dempster.

On 15 March 1500–01, Sir Alexander is expressly identified as the Laird of Guthrie. He entered a protective protest concerning the capacity in which he had been called to warrant certain lands. The same proceeding records that he granted to James of Durham, David Rossy of that Ilk, and Gelis Scrymgeour, his spouse, a warrant and defence concerning the lands of Eastertoun of Guthrie, including the mill and mill lands, in their tacks and mailings.

On 17 March 1500–01, Sir Alexander was involved in the major litigation concerning Kirktoun and Eastertoun of Guthrie. He appeared as a defender in a dispute over the Guthrie lands and accepted a warranty obligation. The proceeding also records an earlier letter under the seal of Thomas Tulloch of Bonnyngtoun addressed to the late Mr David Guthrie of that Ilk.

On 10 May 1501, Sir Alexander appeared in another action brought by John Dempster of Auchterless. He appeared through his procurator, Mr Malcolm Guthrie, and the Lords ordered the sheriff of Forfar to put the relevant royal letters and earlier decree to execution.

On 4 March 1502, Sir Alexander appears as curator for the late Sir Thomas Maule of Panmure, in an action concerning a purported charter and instrument of sasine for the lands of Petlevy. The Lords ordered him to produce the retour and letters of curatory relating to the late Sir Thomas Maule.

On 5 January 1503, Sir Alexander was sued by Mr Andrew Cadiow for wrongful withholding of £91. The Lords ordered Alexander to make specified payments under an obligation bearing his subscription, while discharging him from a further £51 that Cadiow acknowledged had already been paid.

On 26 January 1503, Sir Alexander was required to warrant, acquiet, and defend the sixth part of the lands of Eastertoun of Guthrie, including the fourth part of the mill and mill lands, to James of Durham of the Graing, heir of the deceased Mr Thomas Durham. The obligation was based upon a charter granted by Sir Alexander to Thomas Durham and his heirs.

On 3 February 1503, Sir Alexander pursued John Dempster for alleged double payment of the grain involved in the earlier dispute. Alexander claimed that Dempster had received the same quantities of oats, bere, and pease both from him and from the late David, Duke of Montrose. The Lords ultimately found Dempster quit of Alexander’s claim.

On 4 February 1503, Sir Alexander acted as procurator for Margaret Lyon in an action concerning the maintenance and property of her son James Rynd, son of James Rynd of Broxmouth. Margaret was pursuing David Rynd, tutor and intromettor with James’s blenchferme lands. Sir Alexander appeared on Margaret’s behalf, and the Lords ordered that sufficient rents and profits from James’s lands be paid for his maintenance until he reached seven years of age.

This 1503 appearance is particularly significant because Margaret Lyon is later explicitly identified as Margaret Lyone, Lady Guthrie, in the 1518 marriage contract of her daughter Elizabeth Guthrie and John Ogilvy. The 1503 record therefore provides contemporary evidence of Sir Alexander’s legal association with Margaret before the later marriage evidence.

Cross-Source Evidence

The 1474 sasine provides the critical documentary link between Sir David Guthrie of Guthrie, knight, and the later Sir Alexander.

The wording identifying Alexander as “son and heir” of the deceased David Guthrie establishes the father-son relationship and explains the subsequent succession of Alexander to the Guthrie estate.

The chronology is consistent:

Sir David Guthrie of Guthrie, knight
↓
Alexander Guthrie, son and heir — documented 23 August 1474
↓
Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk, knight / Laird of Guthrie — documented 1496–1503

The repeated identification of Alexander as “of that Ilk” and, in 1500–01, as “Laird of Guthrie,” establishes him as the principal holder of the Guthrie estate during this period.

His extensive involvement in litigation concerning Eastertoun and Kirktoun of Guthrie demonstrates direct control over or responsibility for significant portions of the Guthrie lands.

His legal activities also demonstrate a broad network extending beyond the immediate Guthrie family, including the Dempsters of Auchterless, Maule family of Panmure, Durhams, Rossys, Scrymgeours, and Rynd family.

The appearance of Mr Malcolm Guthrie as Sir Alexander’s procurator in 1501 establishes another Guthrie operating within his legal network, although the relationship between Malcolm and Sir Alexander is not established by this record alone.

The 1503 appearance as procurator for Margaret Lyon is particularly important genealogically. Margaret had been documented as the widow of James Rynd in the earlier proceedings. By 1518 she was explicitly Margaret Lyone, Lady Guthrie, establishing a Guthrie–Lyon marriage. The Acts therefore place Sir Alexander in a documented legal relationship with Margaret in 1503, between her first husband’s death and the later marriage evidence.

Public Affairs Evidence

The later Acts of the Lords of Council in Public Affairs contain two references to men named Alexander Guthrie that require careful treatment.

On 15 January 1538, Alexander Guthrie of Kyncaldrum was in ward in Edinburgh Castle, and David Guthrie of that Ilk and John Guthrie of Ballnabreich became cautioners for him. The required caution was under a penalty of 5,000 merks.

The territorial designation “of Kyncaldrum” distinguishes this Alexander from the fifteenth- and early-sixteenth-century Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk. He should therefore be treated as a later and separate Alexander Guthrie.

On 4 February 1549, an Alexander Guthrie appears without a territorial designation as one of the co-obligants for half of a 2,000-merks tocher in the marriage arrangement of Thomas, Master of Erskine, and Margaret Fleming. The other co-obligants were Robert Carnegie of Kinnaird and Finlay Campbell of Corswell.

Because the 1549 Alexander is not territorially identified, he cannot presently be securely identified with Alexander Guthrie of Kyncaldrum or another known Alexander Guthrie.

Possible identification — unconfirmed: The 1549 Alexander is retained here as a possible but unconfirmed match to the Guthrie family represented by Sir Alexander, but there is currently no evidence establishing that he is the same individual. The chronological gap alone makes direct identification impossible, and he may represent another later generation or branch of the Guthrie family.

Theories & Possibilities

The 1474 sasine substantially resolves one important question concerning Sir Alexander’s ancestry: his father was Sir David Guthrie of Guthrie, knight.

The evidence also establishes a clear succession from Sir David to Alexander and then the appearance of Alexander as Laird of Guthrie in the Acts of the Lords of Council.

Sir Alexander was clearly a substantial landholder and prominent member of the Guthrie of that Ilk family. His legal activities demonstrate responsibility for the estate’s lands, mills, leases, warranties, and financial obligations.

His role as procurator for Margaret Lyon adds an important dimension to his family network. The evidence supports the existence of a Guthrie–Lyon marriage by 1518 and places Sir Alexander in Margaret’s legal affairs in 1503. The exact date of their marriage remains unknown, but the presently documented window is after Margaret’s appearance as a widow and before Sir Alexander’s death at Flodden in September 1513.

The record does not by itself establish the parentage of Margaret Lyon’s husband, but the identification of Sir Alexander as her procurator is important cumulative evidence when considered with the later Margaret Lyone, Lady Guthriedesignation.

Genealogical Significance

Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk is one of the most important Guthrie individuals represented in the Acts.

The combined evidence now establishes:

• Sir David Guthrie of Guthrie, knight, as Sir Alexander’s father;
• Alexander’s status as son and heir by 23 August 1474;
• Sir Alexander’s later status as Laird of Guthrie;
• his extensive legal involvement from 1496 through 1503;
• his control over or responsibility for Guthrie, Eastertoun, and associated mill lands;
• his role as curator for Sir Thomas Maule of Panmure;
• his legal association with the Dempster, Maule, Durham, Rossy, Scrymgeour, and Rynd families;
• his use of Mr Malcolm Guthrie as a procurator;
• and his documented role as procurator for Margaret Lyon in 1503.

The 1474 sasine is particularly important because it provides a primary-source genealogical anchor that does not depend upon later traditional pedigrees.

Research Priorities

Further research should focus on:

• Establishing whether the documented Jonete, wife of Sir David and mother of Sir Alexander, can be independently identified with the traditionally named Janet Dundas.
• locating additional records concerning Alexander’s succession after his father’s death;
• tracing the Eastertoun and Kirktoun of Guthrie titles and divisions;
• investigating the relationship between Sir Alexander and Mr Malcolm Guthrie;
• identifying additional records connecting Sir Alexander and Margaret Lyon between 1503 and 1513;
• locating the 1518 marriage contract of Elizabeth Guthrie and John Ogilvy and extracting all references to Margaret and Sir Alexander;
• investigating the circumstances of Sir Alexander’s death at Flodden in September 1513;
• and systematically examining GD188/1/1, Writs of the Lands of Guthrie, for additional succession and property records.

The 1538 Alexander Guthrie of Kyncaldrum should be investigated as a separate later individual.

The 1549 Alexander Guthrie should remain flagged as an unconfirmed possible identification until a territorial designation, family connection, or intervening record establishes his identity.

Current Assessment

Identity: Documented — Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk, knight.

Father: Documented — Sir David Guthrie of Guthrie, knight, identified as Alexander’s father in the 23 August 1474 sasine.

Mother: Unresolved.

Status: Documented — Laird of Guthrie.

Succession: Documented — Alexander was recognized as son and heir of Sir David Guthrie in 1474.

Principal geographic association: Guthrie, Angus/Forfarshire.

Landholding: Documented — Guthrie, Eastertoun of Guthrie, associated mill and mill lands, and other property interests.

Legal activity: Extensive and repeatedly documented, 1496–1503.

Marriage to Margaret Lyon: Strongly supported by cumulative evidence, but exact marriage date unresolved.

Role as Margaret Lyon’s procurator: Documented — 4 February 1503.

Relationship to Mr Malcolm Guthrie: Possible but unresolved.

Alexander Guthrie of Kyncaldrum, 1538: Separate later individual.

Alexander Guthrie, 1549 marriage obligation: Possible but unconfirmed match; no territorial designation or other identifying evidence currently establishes his identity.

Death: Traditionally/documentarily associated with Flodden, September 1513.

Source References

Acts of the Lords of Council in Civil Causes, Vol. II, pp. 53 and [previously identified references], including proceedings dated 17 January 1496–97 and later appearances.

Facts from the Records

John Guthrie in Brechin appears in the Acts of the Lords of Council as a participant in the legal network surrounding Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk, knight.

On 17 January 1496–97, John Guthrie was among the witnesses summoned in an action brought by Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk against John Dempster of Auchterless.

The action concerned the alleged wrongful detention and withholding of substantial quantities of grain, including 40 chalders of oats, 10 chalders of bere, and half a chalder of peas, allegedly taken from the lands of Pettintostale by William Carmichael. The witnesses had been lawfully summoned but failed to appear. The Lords ordered new letters requiring them to appear on a subsequent date, under increased penalties.

The record identifies John as John Guthrie; the territorial designation “in Brechin” distinguishes him from other contemporary men of the same name.

[The previously established records for John Guthrie in Brechin should remain here in chronological order.]

Cross-Source Evidence

John’s designation “in Brechin” establishes his residence or principal association with Brechin during the late fifteenth century.

His appearance as a witness in Sir Alexander Guthrie’s litigation is significant because it places him within Sir Alexander’s legal and social network at an early date.

The additional 1496–97 proceeding strengthens the chronological evidence for John Guthrie in Brechin and demonstrates that his association with Sir Alexander was already present during the 1490s.

The evidence does not establish whether this association was based on kinship, tenancy, property interests, friendship, or another connection.

John Guthrie in Brechin should remain distinct from other contemporary men named John Guthrie, including the John Guthrie involved in the Dunbeith proceedings and John Guthrie in Tulloch, unless additional evidence establishes an identification.

Theories & Possibilities

John Guthrie was established in Brechin by at least January 1497 and participated in legal proceedings connected with the Guthrie of that Ilk family.

His repeated appearance in the legal network surrounding Sir Alexander may indicate a familial or property connection with the principal Guthrie family. The present records do not establish the nature of that connection.

Brechin was an important center of Guthrie activity, making John a potentially significant representative of a Brechin-based Guthrie branch or household.

His precise relationship to the Guthries of Guthrie, Kincaldrum, Colliston, Eassie/Hiltoun, or Lunan remains unresolved.

Genealogical Significance

The records establish:

• John Guthrie in Brechin by 1496–97;
• his participation as a witness in litigation involving Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk;
• his continuing presence within the legal network surrounding the Guthrie estate;
• and his association with Brechin, an important location for contemporary Guthrie activity.

The 1496–97 appearance provides an important early chronological anchor for this individual.

Research Priorities

Further research should seek:

• additional records for John Guthrie in Brechin;
• Brechin burgh records identifying his occupation, property, or household;
• records identifying his wife, children, or descendants;
• additional appearances as witness, tenant, burgess, or landholder;
• and evidence establishing his relationship, if any, to Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk.

Particular attention should be given to Brechin burgh records, Great Seal records, Register of Sasines, Exchequer Rolls, ecclesiastical records, and additional proceedings before the Lords of Council.

Current Assessment

Identity: Documented — John Guthrie in Brechin.

Residence/territorial association: Brechin, documented.

Association with Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk: Documented through participation as a witness in Sir Alexander’s litigation.

Occupation/status: Unresolved within this record set.

Parentage: Unresolved within this record set.

Relationship to Sir Alexander Guthrie: Unresolved within this record set.

Relationship to other contemporary John Guthries: Unresolved within this record set.

Source References

Acts of the Lords of Council in Civil Causes, Vol. II, p. 138, 15 March 1497–98. Additional references from the Acts as previously incorporated in the existing Research Sketch.

Facts from the Records

Walter Guthrie appears in the Acts of the Lords of Council in connection with the legal and financial affairs of Gelis Stewart, Lady of Inverlunan.

On 15 March 1497–98, Walter acted as cautioner for Gelis Stewart in connection with a debt of 34 merks owed to the late Alan Kinnaird of that Ilk. Gelis had caused Walter to become surety for the obligation and had undertaken to relieve and keep him skaithless of the debt.

Gelis subsequently failed to appear to pursue the matter, and Walter also failed to appear on her behalf. Gelis therefore appeared before the Lords of Council and protested that Walter should not be heard in judgment until he reimbursed her for the costs, damages, and expenses arising from his failure to appear.

The record identifies Walter simply as Walter Guthrie. No territorial designation, occupation, patronymic, or explicit family relationship is given.

His role as cautioner establishes a financial and legal connection with Gelis Stewart of Inverlunan and with the estate and affairs of Alan Kinnaird of that Ilk.

Theories & Possibilities

Walter’s association with Inverlunan is potentially significant because of the concentration of Guthrie families and other interconnected landed families in Angus and Forfarshire during this period.

His willingness and apparent ability to act as cautioner for Lady of Inverlunan indicates a degree of trust or standing within her social and financial network. The record does not establish whether this relationship was familial, territorial, financial, or based upon another association.

The Inverlunan connection should therefore be regarded as a significant research clue, but not as evidence that Walter belonged to the Guthries of Lunan or to any other specific Guthrie branch.

There is presently insufficient evidence to identify Walter with Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk, the Guthries of Lunan, Kincaldrum, Colliston, or another contemporary territorial family.

Genealogical Significance

The record provides evidence of Walter Guthrie’s participation in the legal and financial network of Angus and Forfarshire during the late fifteenth century.

His role as cautioner for Gelis Stewart is particularly useful because it identifies an otherwise unlocated Guthrie in association with Inverlunan, while also connecting him to the Kinnaird family through the debt owed to Alan Kinnaird of that Ilk.

The entry therefore provides potentially valuable associative evidence without establishing Walter’s precise Guthrie lineage.

Research Priorities

Further research should seek:

• additional records for Walter Guthrie;
• records concerning Gelis Stewart, Lady of Inverlunan;
• the Stewart family and estate of Inverlunan;
• records concerning Alan Kinnaird of that Ilk and the 34-merks debt;
• property, financial, and legal records that may identify Walter’s residence or occupation;
• and evidence that could either connect or distinguish Walter from the Guthries of Lunan, Guthrie, Kincaldrum, Colliston, or other contemporary Guthrie families.

Great Seal, Privy Seal, Exchequer, Register of Sasines, and local legal records should be examined for additional references.

Current Assessment

Identity: Documented — Walter Guthrie.

Role as cautioner for Gelis Stewart: Documented.

Association with Inverlunan: Documented through his role as Gelis Stewart’s cautioner.

Connection with Alan Kinnaird of that Ilk: Documented through the 34-merks debt for which Walter acted as surety.

Territorial designation or residence: Unresolved within this record set.

Parentage: Unresolved within this record set.

Relationship to other contemporary Guthries: Unresolved within this record set.

Source References

Acts of the Lords of Council in Civil Causes, Vol. II, pp. 141, 175, 192–193, and 247, 1497–1498.

Facts from the Records

Christian Guthrie, identified as the widow of George Summer of Balzeordie, appears repeatedly before the Lords of Council in a prolonged dispute with John Dempster of Auchterless.

On 17 March 1497–98, Christian pursued an action concerning the withholding of teind sheaves from the lands of Barowny for approximately eleven years. She claimed that the teinds belonged to her by reason of a tack and sought compensation for the teinds, together with damages and expenses. She also claimed damages for the loss of seven oxen and the associated labour and profits. 

On April 1498, Christian formally appointed James Abernethy, Andrew Hay, George Somer, and either of them jointly or severally as her procurators in the continuing action against John Dempster. 

On 8 May 1498, Christian continued the action through her procurator Andrew Hay. The Council ordered Thomas Cullais, William Scot, Andrew Murray, William Nuddry, George Somer, David Guthrie, and Henry Stevinson to appear as witnesses and give evidence concerning the dispute. 

On a subsequent date recorded at p. 247, the Lords issued a final decree in the damages portion of the dispute. Having considered the evidence, they ordered John Dempster to pay Christian £4 10s. in damages and expenses. 

Cross-Source Evidence

The several proceedings clearly concern the same Christian Guthrie. They form a continuous legal action beginning with her claim concerning the Barowny teinds and continuing through appointment of procurators, examination of witnesses, and final judgment.

The records consistently identify her as Christian Guthrie / Christiane of Guthre and as the widow of George Summer of Balzeordie. 

Her legal activity demonstrates that she was independently managing substantial economic interests after her husband’s death. Her claim arose from her rights under a tack and included both agricultural produce and the economic value of livestock and their labor.

The appearance of David Guthrie among the witnesses on 8 May 1498 is noteworthy. The record does not state his relationship to Christian, but it places him within the same local legal and social network. 

The appearance of George Somer both as one of Christian’s procurators and among the witnesses may indicate a continuing connection with her deceased husband’s family, although the record does not explicitly identify the relationship.

Theories & Possibilities

Christian was evidently a Guthrie woman with significant economic and legal interests in the Angus/Forfarshire region.

Her identification as the widow of George Summer of Balzeordie establishes a Guthrie–Summer marriage but does not establish her parentage.

Her extensive litigation concerning Barowny, the involvement of multiple local witnesses, and her use of several procurators indicate a substantial network of family and community relationships that may help identify her Guthrie origins.

The presence of David Guthrie as a witness is a potentially useful clue. If his identity can be securely connected with the Mr David Guthrie of that Ilk, provost of Guthrie, it could provide additional evidence concerning Christian’s relationship to the principal Guthrie family. The present record alone does not establish that relationship.

Genealogical Significance

Christian’s records provide unusually detailed evidence for a late-fifteenth-century Guthrie woman managing her own legal and economic interests.

They establish:

• Christian Guthrie;
• her status as widow of George Summer of Balzeordie;
• her interest in the teinds of Barowny;
• her claim to damages arising from the loss of livestock and agricultural profits;
• her appointment of multiple legal procurators;
• her participation in a prolonged action before the Lords of Council;
• and her eventual recovery of £4 10s. in damages and expenses.

The proceedings also establish connections with a number of local individuals, including David Guthrie and members of the Summer family.

Research Priorities

Further research should seek:

• Christian Guthrie’s parentage;
• her marriage to George Summer of Balzeordie;
• the identity and family of George Summer;
• records concerning Barowny and Balzeordie;
• the identity and relationship of George Somer, who acted as her procurator;
• additional records involving David Guthrie as a witness;
• and evidence connecting Christian with the Guthrie families of Guthrie, Kincaldrum, Brechin, or other Angus branches.

Particular attention should be given to property records, tacks, Great Seal and Privy Seal records, Register of Sasines, Exchequer records, and local legal records.

Current Assessment

Identity: Documented — Christian Guthrie, widow of George Summer of Balzeordie.

Marriage: Documented within this record set.

Economic interests in Barowny: Documented.

Independent legal activity: Strongly established.

Guthrie parentage: Unresolved within this record set.

Relationship to the principal Guthrie family: Unresolved within this record set.

Relationship to David Guthrie: Potentially significant but unresolved within this record set.

Source References

Acts of the Lords of Council in Civil Causes, Vol. II, p. 163, 31 March 1498.

Facts from the Records

James Guthrie and Katherine Lyn, identified as his spouse, appear as defenders in an action before the Lords of Council concerning the wrongful spoliation and awaytaking of goods from the lands of Campsie, in the sheriffdom of Forfar. 

The action was brought by David, John, James, Robert, Richard, and George Spalding against several defenders, including Nichole of Fothringham, Master Henry Lindsay, James Guthrie, and Katherine Lyn.

The goods alleged to have been taken included cattle and oxen, horses, a mare, sheep, and household goods. The record specifically attributes to James Guthrie and Katherine Lyn the wrongful purchasing of the letters associated with the action. 

The record gives no territorial designation for James Guthrie and does not state his parentage or relationship to other Guthries.

Theories & Possibilities

James Guthrie and Katherine Lyn were evidently established within the Forfarshire area by 1498. Their association with Campsie places them within the same broad geographic region in which several other Guthrie families are documented during this period.

The record establishes a marriage between James Guthrie and Katherine Lyn but provides no evidence sufficient to identify James with Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk, John Guthrie in Brechin, or another contemporary Guthrie.

Katherine’s surname provides an additional avenue for investigation. Records concerning the Lyn/Lynn family in Forfarshire may help establish the couple’s residence, social connections, or James’s identity.

Genealogical Significance

The entry provides direct evidence for a Guthrie–Lyn marriage in late-fifteenth-century Forfarshire.

It establishes:

• James Guthrie;
• his wife Katherine Lyn;
• their involvement in litigation concerning Campsie;
• and their association with a wider network of Forfarshire families.

Because the record identifies Katherine by both her maiden surname and her status as James’s spouse, it provides a potentially useful starting point for reconstructing James’s family through his wife’s family connections.

Research Priorities

Further research should seek:

• additional records for James Guthrie and Katherine Lyn;
• property and tenancy records concerning Campsie;
• marriage or family records identifying Katherine’s parentage;
• other records involving the Lyn/Lynn family in Forfarshire;
• and evidence that could either connect or distinguish James from other contemporary Guthries.

Great Seal, Register of Sasines, Exchequer, burgh, and local legal records should be examined.

Current Assessment

Identity: Documented — James Guthrie, husband of Katherine Lyn.

Marriage: Documented.

Geographic association: Campsie, Forfarshire.

Parentage: Unresolved within this record set.

Relationship to other contemporary Guthries: Unresolved within this record set.set.

Facts from the Records

Marion Guthrie appears in the Acts of the Lords of Council in connection with her rights as the widow of David Annand of Kinquheries and as the mother of Thomas Annand and Master John Annand. She is identified as being in Dundee. (Guthrie Genealogy)

On 7 July 1498, Mr John Annand pursued Thomas Annand concerning £48 17s. 9d. owed to Marion as her third part of the 220 merks received for the redemption of the lands of Cottone of Innerpeffir, which had been wadset to her late husband, David Annand. The proceedings produced an assignation made by Marion to Mr John Annand, dated 30 October 1497, executed in her house in Dundee before Robert Cheild, John Lambirtoune, burgess of Dundee, and Sir John Ravin, chaplain. (Guthrie Genealogy)

On 16 January 1499–1500, the Lords upheld the validity of Marion’s assignation and ordered payment to Mr John Annand as her assignee. (Guthrie Genealogy)

A related family settlement identifies Marion as the mother of Thomas Annand and Master John Annand and protects her reasonable terce for life in the lands in which David Annand died vested and seised. The lands named include Innerpeffer, Torberg, Auchlucy, Egy, Bradouny, Clakleight, and Wester Kinquhere. (Guthrie Genealogy)

Cross-Source Evidence

The Aberdeen Council Registers provide a potentially significant earlier Guthrie reference that may relate to Marion.

On 20 September 1480, Mariote Guthery appeared personally in Aberdeen while a chaplain sought delivery on her behalf of goods belonging to her and bequeathed to her by the deceased Christiana Preston. On 2 April 1481, Mariota Guthery appeared in court with her procurators and pursued delivery of a detailed collection of household goods, clothing, and silver. The second entry appears to concern the same woman as the 1480 entry. (Guthrie Genealogy)

The forms Mariote, Mariota, and Marion are sufficiently similar to warrant investigation as possible forms of the same personal name. The chronology is also compatible: the Aberdeen woman is documented in 1480–1481, approximately seventeen years before Marion’s 1497 assignation.

The present evidence does not establish that Mariote/Mariota Guthery of Aberdeen was the later Marion Guthrie of Dundee. The geographic difference is significant, although Aberdeen, Dundee, and the Angus/Forfarshire area were connected through commercial, legal, and family networks.

The bequest from Christiana Preston provides a particularly useful avenue for further investigation because identifying Christiana’s family and relationship to Mariote could provide evidence for Mariote’s origin, residence, or social network. (Guthrie Genealogy)

Theories & Possibilities

Marion was evidently a Guthrie woman of sufficient status to possess heritable and financial rights and to manage those interests independently as a widow.

The Mariote/Mariota Guthery recorded in Aberdeen in 1480–1481 is a potentially significant earlier identification. The name forms and chronology are compatible, but no documentary connection between the Aberdeen woman and the later Marion has yet been established.

A relationship between Marion and the Guthrie families associated with Guthrie, Kincaldrum, Colliston, or Eassie/Hiltoun likewise remains unestablished.

Genealogical Significance

Marion’s records provide unusually detailed evidence concerning a late-fifteenth-century Guthrie woman, her marriage, children, property rights, and financial affairs.

The records establish:

• her marriage to David Annand of Kinquheries;
• her status as his widow;
• her sons Thomas Annand and Master John Annand;
• her residence in Dundee;
• her terce rights in her husband’s lands;
• her independent management and assignation of those rights;
• and a subsequent family settlement preserving her lifetime interest.

The possible connection with the Aberdeen Mariote/Mariota Guthery is particularly worthy of further research because it could provide evidence for Marion’s Guthrie family of origin and extend her documented history backward by approximately two decades.

Research Priorities

Further research should seek:

• the parentage and family of Marion Guthrie;
• additional records for Mariote/Mariota Guthery in Aberdeen;
• the identity and family of Christiana Preston;
• evidence connecting the Aberdeen Mariote with Dundee or the Annand family;
• records concerning Marion’s marriage to David Annand;
• property records associated with Kinquheries, Innerpeffer, and the other lands named in the settlement;
• and evidence connecting Marion to the Guthrie families of Guthrie, Kincaldrum, Colliston, or Eassie/Hiltoun.

Particular attention should be given to Aberdeen, Dundee, and Angus/Forfarshire records for the period 1480–1500, as well as Great Seal, Privy Seal, Register of Sasines, burgh, ecclesiastical, and legal records.

Current Assessment

Identity: Documented — Marion Guthrie, widow of David Annand of Kinquheries.

Marriage and children: Documented within this record set.

Residence in Dundee: Documented.

Property and terce rights: Documented through multiple proceedings.

Mariote/Mariota Guthery of Aberdeen as the same woman: Possible; presently unsubstantiated.

Guthrie parentage: Unresolved within this record set.

Relationship to the Guthrie of Guthrie family: Unresolved within this record set.

Source References

Acts of the Lords of Council in Civil Causes, Vol. II, p. 477, 10 March 1500–01.

Facts from the Records

On 10 March 1500–01, John Guthrie appears in the Acts of the Lords of Council among a group of persons involved in a raid and spuilzie at Dunbeith.

The proceedings concerned goods taken from William Keith of Innerugie, knight, and his brother George Keith, from the castle of Dunbeith. The goods included meal, salt, household goods, armour, livestock, and other property.

The persons involved had obtained the King’s remission at the preceding justice ayre of Inverness. The Lords ordained William, Earl of Caithness, to act as cautioner for the named persons, including John Guthrie, in an obligation to William Keith of Innerugie concerning the property taken.

The Lords assigned 6 July for William Keith to prove the value of goods not already assessed in the Inverness proceedings.

The record gives no territorial designation, occupation, residence, patronymic, or family relationship for John Guthrie.

Cross-Source Evidence

This John Guthrie appears in a markedly different geographic and social context from several of the Guthries recorded elsewhere in Volume II. The Dunbeith raid, the justice ayre of Inverness, the Keith family of Innerugie, and the Earl of Caithness place the proceeding within a northern Scottish network, rather than the Angus/Forfarshire network prominent in many other Guthrie entries.

The Acts also contain John Guthrie in Brechin, who appears as a witness in Sir Alexander Guthrie’s litigation on p. 53. That individual is associated with the Brechin/Dundee area and should presently be treated as distinct.

A further John Guthrie in Tulloch appears elsewhere in the Acts and should likewise remain distinct unless additional evidence establishes an identification.

Theories & Possibilities

John Guthrie may have belonged to a Guthrie family established in northern Scotland or may have become involved in the Dunbeith raid through personal, military, territorial, or other associations.

The absence of a territorial designation prevents identification with the Guthrie of that Ilk family or any other specific Guthrie branch.

The geographic difference between the Dunbeith proceeding and the records of John Guthrie in Brechin currently weighs against treating the two as the same individual. The same applies to John Guthrie in Tulloch.

The possibility of a connection to an otherwise unidentified northern Guthrie family remains open.

Genealogical Significance

This entry establishes a John Guthrie active in northern Scotland in 1500–01 in connection with a significant raid, royal remission, and restitution proceeding.

His association with the Earl of Caithness, William Keith of Innerugie, and the justice ayre of Inverness provides useful avenues for investigating his social and geographic network.

The record expands the geographic range of Guthrie individuals documented in the Acts and demonstrates the presence of the Guthrie surname within northern Scottish legal and political networks during the early sixteenth century.

Research Priorities

Further research should seek:

• additional records for John Guthrie in Caithness, Inverness, and the northern Highlands;
• the records of the justice ayre of Inverness concerning the Dunbeith raid;
• the King’s remission obtained by the participants;
• records involving William Keith of Innerugie and his brother George;
• records concerning the Earl of Caithness and the other persons associated with the raid;
• and evidence that could either connect or distinguish this John Guthrie from John Guthrie in Brechin, John Guthrie in Tulloch, and other contemporary men of the same name.

Great Seal, Privy Seal, Exchequer, remission, justice ayre, legal, and northern burgh records may be particularly useful.

Current Assessment

Identity: Documented — John Guthrie, participant in the legal resolution of the Dunbeith raid and spuilzie.

Geographic association: Northern Scotland; associated with the Dunbeith/Inverness/Caithness network.

Role: Documented as one of the persons for whom the Earl of Caithness stood caution.

Relationship to the Guthrie of Guthrie family: Unresolved within this record set.

Identification with John Guthrie in Brechin: Unresolved within this record set; presently treated as a distinct individual.

Identification with John Guthrie in Tulloch: Unresolved within this record set; presently treated as a distinct individual.set; the differing geographic contexts presently favor keeping the individuals separate.

Facts from the Records

Elizabeth Guthrie appears in the Acts of the Lords of Council on 12 March 1500–01 as the widow of Alexander Maule. She was pursuing her rights in Cammystone with its mill and pertinents and one half of Hadirweik, in the sheriffdom of Forfar. Acts of the Lords of Council — Guthrie Genealogy

Elizabeth appeared through Mr David Guthrie, provost of that Ilk, as her procurator. She produced charters and instruments of sasine establishing her rights through conjunct infeftment. The Council ordered the defenders to desist from occupying the lands and to allow Elizabeth to enjoy them according to her title. Acts of the Lords of Council — Guthrie Genealogy

A charter in the Registrum de Panmure independently identifies Alexander Maule, son and apparent heir of Sir Thomas Maule of Panmure, and Elizabeth Guthrie his wife in connection with the half lands of Hatherwick. The charter is dated 6 November 1468; the printed Registrum de Panmure gives 1568, but the date is demonstrably erroneous from the surrounding chronology and context. 

The Hatherwick/Hadirweik property correspondence provides a particularly strong connection between the 1468 charter and Elizabeth’s later litigation.

Cross-Source Evidence

The contemporary evidence establishes a continuous connection between Elizabeth Guthrie, Alexander Maule, and Hatherwick/Hadirweik:

6 November 1468 — Alexander Maule and Elizabeth Guthrie are identified as husband and wife in the Panmure charter concerning Hatherwick. 

12 March 1500–01 — Elizabeth Guthrie, widow of Alexander Maule, claims her rights in Hadirweik/Hatherwick and Cammystone before the Lords of Council. Acts of the Lords of Council — Guthrie Genealogy

This correspondence substantially strengthens the identification of the Elizabeth Guthrie in the Acts as the same woman who married Alexander Maule.

Secondary genealogical sources identify Elizabeth as the daughter of Sir David Guthrie of that Ilk. The Scots Peeragestates that Alexander Maule married Elizabeth, daughter of Sir David Guthrie of that Ilk. 

Traditional Guthrie genealogies further identify her as a daughter of Sir David Guthrie and Janet Dundas. Guthrie of Kincaldrum — Guthrie Genealogy

The parentage therefore has substantial secondary support, although the primary evidence establishing the parentage should still be sought.

Theories & Possibilities

The identification of Elizabeth as a member of the principal Guthrie family is strongly probable.

Her marriage to Alexander Maule is independently documented by the 1468 Panmure charter, while the Acts later document her as his widow. The property named in the two records provides an unusually strong cross-source identification.

The traditional identification of Elizabeth as daughter of Sir David Guthrie of that Ilk is supported by The Scots Peerage and other genealogical compilations. The relationship is also consistent with the prominent Guthrie family connections preserved in the Panmure records.

The specific attribution of Elizabeth to Sir David Guthrie and Janet Dundas, however, should remain distinguished from the broader identification as daughter of Sir David Guthrie of that Ilk until contemporary evidence for her maternal parentage is located.

The chronology is also significant. If Elizabeth was already married to Alexander Maule by 1468, her birth must fall considerably earlier than some later genealogical estimates have suggested. This should be considered when evaluating traditional pedigrees for Sir David Guthrie and Janet Dundas.

Genealogical Significance

Elizabeth’s record is particularly valuable because it provides independent evidence connecting the Guthrie and Maule families through both marriage and property.

The evidence establishes:

• Elizabeth Guthrie as the wife of Alexander Maule, son and apparent heir of Sir Thomas Maule of Panmure;
• her later status as his widow;
• her rights in Hatherwick/Hadirweik;
• her rights in Cammystone;
• her use of conjunct infeftment to establish those rights;
• and her legal representation by Mr David Guthrie, provost of that Ilk.

The 1468 charter is particularly important because it independently connects Elizabeth to the Maule family decades before the 1500–01 Council proceeding.

The traditional identification of Elizabeth as a daughter of Sir David Guthrie of that Ilk therefore has considerably stronger support than a simple appearance in a compiled genealogy. Nevertheless, the precise documentary evidence for her parentage remains an important research objective.

Research Priorities

Further research should seek:

• the original or related charters establishing Elizabeth’s parentage;
• the marriage and property records of Elizabeth Guthrie and Alexander Maule;
• additional records for Hatherwick/Hadirweik and Cammystone;
• evidence identifying Elizabeth’s mother;
• records concerning Sir David Guthrie and Janet Dundas that name their children;
• and additional Maule records that may preserve Elizabeth’s family relationships.

Particular attention should be given to the Registrum de Panmure, Great Seal, Privy Seal, Register of Sasines, Exchequer records, and contemporary legal records.

Current Assessment

Identity: Documented — Elizabeth Guthrie, wife and later widow of Alexander Maule.

Marriage to Alexander Maule: Documented by contemporary evidence.

Connection with Hatherwick/Hadirweik: Documented by both the 1468 Panmure charter and the 1500–01 Council proceeding.

Association with Mr David Guthrie of that Ilk: Documented — he acted as her procurator.

Parentage as daughter of Sir David Guthrie of that Ilk: Strongly supported by secondary genealogical sources; primary documentation remains to be established.

Mother as Janet Dundas: Traditional identification; unresolved within the primary record set.

Relationship to the principal Guthrie family: Strongly probable.

Source References

Acts of the Lords of Council in Civil Causes, Vol. III, p. 29, 10 May 1501.

Additional genealogical and property evidence concerning contemporary men named Malcolm Guthrie, including the charter of 4 February 1472 to Malcolm Guthrie of Balnabreich and records concerning Malcolm Guthrie of Kingennie.

Facts from the Records

On 10 May 1501, Mr Malcolm Guthrie acted as procurator for Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk, knight, in an action brought by John Dempster of Auchterless.

The proceeding concerned letters obtained by Dempster in connection with the continuing dispute between Dempster and Sir Alexander. Sir Alexander appeared through Mr Malcolm Guthrie, his procurator.

The Lords ordered that the sheriff of Forfar put the letters to execution in accordance with the prior decree of the Lords and the letters produced in court.

The record identifies Malcolm as “Mr”, but gives no territorial designation, parentage, residence, or office.

Two other contemporary men named Malcolm Guthrie are documented:

• Malcolm Guthrie of Balnabreich, identified as a natural son of Sir David Guthrie of that Ilk, received a charter from his father for lands of Balnabreich on 4 February 1472.
• Malcolm Guthrie of Kingennie, a prominent Dundee official who served as provost and bailee of Dundee and later as sheriff of Forfar, was progenitor of the Kingennie/Pitforthie line. He died in 1482.

Theories & Possibilities

The Malcolm Guthrie of Kingennie can be ruled out as the man acting as Sir Alexander Guthrie’s procurator in 1501. His documented death in 1482 predates the 1501 appearance by approximately nineteen years.

The Malcolm Guthrie of Balnabreich is a strong candidate for further investigation. His documented status as a natural son of Sir David Guthrie of that Ilk establishes a direct connection with the Guthrie family of that Ilk. His relationship to Sir David also places him within the same family network as Sir Alexander.

His appearance in 1501 as Mr Malcolm Guthrie, acting as procurator for Sir Alexander, would be consistent with a continuing family connection and with the possibility that he had acquired a learned or professional qualification. However, the existing evidence does not yet establish that the Balnabreich Malcolm survived into 1501 or that he was the procurator named in the Acts.

The shared name alone is insufficient to make the identification.

Genealogical Significance

The 1501 record provides evidence for a Mr Malcolm Guthrie who was sufficiently educated and trusted to act as legal procurator for Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk.

The identification problem is unusually useful genealogically because contemporary evidence allows one apparent candidate to be eliminated. The Kingennie/Pitforthie Malcolm cannot be the 1501 procurator if his 1482 death date is correct.

The remaining Balnabreich identification warrants focused investigation because it would connect the 1501 procurator directly to Sir David Guthrie of that Ilk and provide another member of the Guthrie family participating in the legal affairs of the principal Guthrie estate.

Research Priorities

Research should focus particularly on:

• additional records for Malcolm Guthrie of Balnabreich after 1472;
• evidence establishing his survival into the 1490s or early 1500s;
• university or ecclesiastical records that could explain the “Mr” designation;
• legal records identifying a Malcolm Guthrie as procurator or advocate;
• records concerning Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk that identify members of his extended family;
• charters, sasines, and other records concerning Balnabreich;
• and evidence establishing whether Malcolm of Balnabreich had descendants.

The chronology and documentary record for Malcolm Guthrie of Kingennie should be retained as a rule-out comparison rather than as evidence for a connection.

Current Assessment

Identity: Documented — Mr Malcolm Guthrie, procurator for Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk in 1501.

Identification with Malcolm Guthrie of Kingennie/Pitforthie: Ruled out by chronology. Malcolm Guthrie of Kingennie died in 1482.

Identification with Malcolm Guthrie of Balnabreich: Strong possibility; unresolved.

Connection to the Guthrie family of that Ilk: Possible through the Balnabreich identification; not established for the 1501 record itself.

Parentage: Unresolved for the 1501 individual.

Relationship to Sir Alexander Guthrie: Professional association documented; precise familial relationship unresolved.

Source References

Acts of the Lords of Council, Vol. III, p. 214, 3 February 1503.

Facts from the Records

Alexander Guthrie, identified as a portioner of Colzeane, appears in an action before the Lords of Council concerning the lands of Colzeane and a pendicle called Cotgibbone.

The action was brought by Gelis Melville, widow of Alexander Guthrie, against John Guthrie, burgess of Perth, and Alexander Winter.

Gelis claimed that she had been conjunctly infeft with her late husband in the pendicle of Cotgibbone and that, following Alexander’s death, John Guthrie and Alexander Winter had wrongfully occupied, cultivated, and withheld the property for approximately ten years.

The proceeding therefore establishes that Alexander Guthrie held a portion of Colzeane and that his widow, Gelis Melville, possessed a recognized claim arising from their joint infeftment.

The record does not provide Alexander’s parentage, territorial designation beyond Colzeane, or relationship to other Guthries appearing in the Acts.

Cross-Source Evidence

The territorial designation “portioner of Colzeane” distinguishes this Alexander Guthrie from Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk and other contemporary Guthries.

His widow is identified as Gelis Melville, providing a Guthrie–Melville marital connection and an avenue for further investigation of Alexander’s family and property interests.

The approximately ten-year period during which the disputed pendicle had allegedly been occupied indicates that Alexander’s interest in Colzeane originated substantially earlier than the 1503 litigation, although the present record does not establish when he acquired it.

Theories & Possibilities

Alexander appears to have been a landholder or proprietor with an interest in Colzeane sufficient to hold the property jointly with his wife.

The record does not establish whether he belonged to one of the established Guthrie branches of Angus or whether his family connection to the surname arose elsewhere.

The appearance of John Guthrie, burgess of Perth, as a defender in the same action is noteworthy. Their relationship is not stated and should not be inferred from the shared surname.

Further property records may establish whether Alexander’s interest in Colzeane descended from an earlier Guthrie holder or originated through marriage or another transaction.

Genealogical Significance

This record establishes:

• Alexander Guthrie as a portioner of Colzeane;
• his marriage to Gelis Melville;
• their joint infeftment in Cotgibbone, a pendicle of Colzeane;
• Alexander’s death before February 1503;
• and the continued assertion of his property rights by his widow.

The combination of a territorial designation, identifiable widow, and joint property rights makes this a useful starting point for reconstructing an otherwise poorly documented Guthrie family.

Research Priorities

Further research should seek:

• records identifying Alexander Guthrie’s parentage;
• earlier records establishing his acquisition or possession of Colzeane;
• the marriage and family of Gelis Melville;
• records concerning Cotgibbone and the wider Colzeane estate;
• evidence identifying Alexander’s heirs;
• and records involving other Guthries associated with Colzeane, Perth, or the surrounding area.

Particular attention should be given to Great Seal records, Register of Sasines, Exchequer Rolls, ecclesiastical records, and local legal proceedings.

Current Assessment

Identity: Documented — Alexander Guthrie, portioner of Colzeane.

Marriage: Documented — husband of Gelis Melville.

Property: Documented — portion of Colzeane and joint infeftment in Cotgibbone.

Death: Occurred before 3 February 1503.

Parentage: Unresolved within this record set.

Relationship to other contemporary Guthries: Unresolved within this record set.

Source References

Acts of the Lords of Council, Vol. III, p. 214, 3 February 1503.

Facts from the Records

John Guthrie, identified as a burgess of Perth, appears as a defender in an action concerning a pendicle of the lands of Colzeane called Cotgibbone.

The action was brought by Gelis Melville, widow of Alexander Guthrie, portioner of Colzeane. Gelis claimed that she and her late husband had been jointly infeft in Cotgibbone and that John Guthrie and Alexander Winter had wrongfully occupied, cultivated, and withheld the property for approximately ten years.

John Guthrie is specifically identified as a burgess of Perth, providing an important distinction from other contemporary men named John Guthrie in the Acts.

The record gives no parentage, residence other than his burgess status in Perth, occupation beyond that status, or relationship to Alexander Guthrie or Gelis Melville.

Cross-Source Evidence

John’s designation as burgess of Perth distinguishes him from John Guthrie in Brechin, John Guthrie associated with the Dunbeith proceedings, and John Guthrie in Tulloch.

His involvement in the Colzeane dispute places him within a property and legal network extending beyond Perth to the lands of Colzeane and the Melville family.

The shared surname with the deceased Alexander Guthrie is potentially significant, but the record does not identify them as relatives.

John’s involvement in the alleged occupation and cultivation of Cotgibbone indicates that his connection to the property was substantial enough to make him a named defender in Gelis Melville’s action.

Theories & Possibilities

John Guthrie may have held an interest in Cotgibbone, occupied the property through another arrangement, or participated in its occupation with Alexander Winter. The precise basis of his claim or possession is not stated in the surviving entry.

His status as a burgess of Perth suggests an urban rather than purely landed identity, although burgesses could also hold property outside the burgh.

A relationship between John and Alexander Guthrie of Colzeane is possible but unproven. The shared surname alone does not establish kinship.

Further records concerning Perth burgesses and the Colzeane estate may clarify whether John was related to Alexander or had acquired his interest independently.

Genealogical Significance

This record establishes:

• John Guthrie, burgess of Perth;
• his involvement in a property dispute concerning Cotgibbone at Colzeane;
• his association with Alexander Winter;
• and his legal connection with Gelis Melville, widow of Alexander Guthrie.

The entry provides evidence of a Guthrie established within the Perth burgh community at the beginning of the sixteenth century.

Research Priorities

Further research should seek:

• Perth burgh records identifying John Guthrie;
• records of his property ownership and burgess status;
• earlier or later records concerning Cotgibbone and Colzeane;
• evidence identifying his parentage, wife, or descendants;
• and evidence establishing or disproving a relationship to Alexander Guthrie, portioner of Colzeane.

Particular attention should be given to Perth burgh records, Great Seal records, Register of Sasines, Exchequer Rolls, and local property proceedings.

Current Assessment

Identity: Documented — John Guthrie, burgess of Perth.

Geographic association: Perth; involved in property at Colzeane.

Role: Documented — defender in the Cotgibbone property dispute.

Relationship to Alexander Guthrie, portioner of Colzeane: Unresolved within this record set.

Parentage: Unresolved within this record set.

Relationship to other contemporary Guthries: Unresolved within this record set.

Source References

Acts of the Lords of Council, Vol. III, p. 73, 30 July 1501.

Facts from the Records

James Guthrie, identified as a burgess of Dundee, appears with his wife Cristane Ferquhare in an action before the Lords of Council concerning 18 merks of annual maills from a tenement in Dundee situated on the north side of the Murray Gate.

James and Cristane appeared through their procurator, Alexander Boyis. The action concerned their rights to the annual payment arising from the Dundee property.

The record identifies James specifically as a burgess of Dundee and identifies Cristane Ferquhare as his wife. No parentage or relationship to other contemporary Guthries is stated.

Cross-Source Evidence

The designation “burgess of Dundee” provides a clear distinction between this James Guthrie and James Guthrie, husband of Katherine Lyn, who appears in the 1498 Campsie proceedings.

The Dundee setting and the identification of his wife as Cristane Ferquhare provide useful identifiers for tracing this James through Dundee burgh records.

His appearance through Alexander Boyis as procurator places him within the legal and commercial network of Dundee burgesses.

Theories & Possibilities

James appears to have been an established Dundee burgess with an economic interest in urban property.

His rights to annual maills from a Dundee tenement indicate a property-holding or investment interest, but the record does not establish whether he owned the underlying property, held a superior interest, or possessed the maills through another arrangement.

The record provides no evidence sufficient to connect him to the Guthries of Guthrie, Lunan, Kincaldrum, Colliston, or other contemporary Guthrie families.

The shared name with James Guthrie, husband of Katherine Lyn, is insufficient to identify the two men as the same individual.

Genealogical Significance

This record establishes:

• James Guthrie, burgess of Dundee;
• his wife Cristane Ferquhare;
• his economic interest in 18 merks of annual maills;
• and his participation in Dundee’s legal and property network in 1501.

The entry provides a useful starting point for investigating a Dundee-based Guthrie household and its property interests.

Research Priorities

Further research should seek:

• Dundee burgh records concerning James Guthrie;
• the marriage and family of Cristane Ferquhare;
• records identifying James’s property or residence in Dundee;
• earlier and later records concerning the Murray Gate tenement and its annual maills;
• and evidence establishing his parentage or relationship to other Dundee and Angus Guthries.

Particular attention should be given to Dundee burgh records, Great Seal records, Register of Sasines, Exchequer Rolls, and contemporary property transactions.

Current Assessment

Identity: Documented — James Guthrie, burgess of Dundee.

Marriage: Documented — husband of Cristane Ferquhare.

Geographic association: Dundee.

Property/economic interest: Documented — 18 merks of annual maills from a Dundee tenement.

Parentage: Unresolved within this record set.

Relationship to James Guthrie, husband of Katherine Lyn: Unresolved within this record set; presently treated as a distinct individual.

Relationship to other contemporary Guthries: Unresolved within this record set.

Source References

Acts of the Lords of Council in Public Affairs, 1538.

The record concerns a cautionary obligation entered into before the Lords of Council in connection with Alexander Guthrie of Kyncaldrum, who was then in ward.

Facts from the Records

John Guthrie of Ballnabreich appears as one of the principal cautioners for Alexander Guthrie of Kyncaldrum.

Alexander Guthrie of Kyncaldrum had been placed in ward, and the Council required security for his obligations. David Guthrie of that Ilk and John Guthrie of Ballnabreich stood as cautioners for him, undertaking the substantial financial obligation required by the Council.

The appearance of John as “of Ballnabreich” provides a territorial designation and identifies him as a member of the landed Guthrie network rather than simply an individual bearing the surname.

The record does not itself state John’s parentage or his precise relationship to David Guthrie of that Ilk or Alexander Guthrie of Kyncaldrum.

Cross-Source Evidence

The 1538 proceeding is particularly significant because it brings three identifiable Guthrie landholders into a single legal transaction:

• David Guthrie of that Ilk;
• John Guthrie of Ballnabreich; and
• Alexander Guthrie of Kyncaldrum.

Their joint participation demonstrates that these Guthrie families were operating within a connected legal and financial network by 1538.

The territorial designation Ballnabreich is also significant because the lands of Ballnabreich are associated with the earlier Malcolm Guthrie of Balnabreich, whom the genealogical tradition identifies as a natural son of Sir David Guthrie of that Ilk. Whether John Guthrie of Ballnabreich descended from Malcolm, however, is not established by this record.

This distinction should be preserved: the territorial continuity makes the question worth investigating, but it is not proof of descent.

Theories & Possibilities

John Guthrie of Ballnabreich appears to have been a member of a landed Guthrie branch established at Ballnabreich by 1538.

The most important genealogical question is whether this branch descended from the earlier Malcolm Guthrie of Balnabreich, who received lands from his father, Sir David Guthrie of that Ilk, in 1472.

If that identification and descent could be established, Ballnabreich would provide an important cadet branch descending from the Guthrie of that Ilk family.

The present 1538 record, however, does not establish John’s parentage or his relationship to Malcolm. Nor does it establish whether the Ballnabreich lands remained continuously within the same Guthrie family between 1472 and 1538.

His role as cautioner for Alexander Guthrie of Kyncaldrum nevertheless demonstrates a close enough legal and financial relationship to warrant further investigation.

Genealogical Significance

This record is significant for the reconstruction of the sixteenth-century Guthrie family network.

It establishes:

• John Guthrie of Ballnabreich as a landed Guthrie by 1538;
• his participation as cautioner for Alexander Guthrie of Kyncaldrum;
• his direct legal association with David Guthrie of that Ilk;
• and the existence of an established Ballnabreich Guthrie branch at this date.

The record also provides a potential bridge between the fifteenth-century Malcolm Guthrie of Balnabreich and later Guthries of Ballnabreich, although that connection remains to be demonstrated.

Research Priorities

Further research should focus on:

• the charters and sasines of Ballnabreich between 1472 and 1538;
• descendants and heirs of Malcolm Guthrie of Balnabreich;
• records identifying the parentage of John Guthrie of Ballnabreich;
• additional records involving John as a landholder or cautioner;
• the relationship between John and David Guthrie of that Ilk;
• and the relationship between the Ballnabreich and Kyncaldrum branches.

Particular attention should be given to Great Seal records, Register of Sasines, Retours, Exchequer Rolls, Privy Seal records, and charters concerning Ballnabreich.

Current Assessment

Identity: Documented — John Guthrie of Ballnabreich.

Territorial association: Ballnabreich, documented by 1538.

Role: Documented — cautioner for Alexander Guthrie of Kyncaldrum.

Association with David Guthrie of that Ilk: Documented through their joint cautionary obligation.

Descent from Malcolm Guthrie of Balnabreich: Possible and genealogically significant, but unresolved within this record set.

Parentage: Unresolved within this record set.

Relationship to the Guthries of Kyncaldrum: Documented association; precise family relationship unresolved.

Source References

Acts of the Lords of Council, Public Affairs, 1554–1557.

The entry concerns the ransom paid for Broughty Castle and identifies Sir James Guthrie, parson of Kirkbuddo, among those involved in the payment of the ransom to the English.

Facts from the Records

Sir James Guthrie, parson of Kirkbuddo, appears in the Acts of the Lords of Council in connection with the English occupation of Broughty Castle during the conflict known as the Rough Wooing.

The record identifies James by his ecclesiastical office as parson of Kirkbuddo and records his participation in a ransom payment of 500 crowns made to the English at Broughty.

His designation as “Sir” reflects the conventional Scottish designation for a priest in this period and should not be interpreted as evidence of knighthood.

The record does not provide his parentage, territorial designation, or relationship to other Guthries.

Cross-Source Evidence

The identification of James as parson of Kirkbuddo provides a strong distinguishing designation and makes it possible to separate him from the several fifteenth- and early-sixteenth-century men named James Guthrie appearing elsewhere in the Acts.

Kirkbuddo is in Forfarshire/Angus, placing James within the broader geographic region in which several Guthrie families were established.

His ecclesiastical office is particularly noteworthy because the Guthrie family produced several individuals associated with the Church, but the present record does not establish a family connection to any particular Guthrie branch.

The Broughty ransom places James within the political and ecclesiastical network affected by the English occupation of the Dundee area during the mid-sixteenth century.

Theories & Possibilities

James’s position as parson of Kirkbuddo indicates that he was a member of the educated clerical class and likely had substantial local standing.

His location in Angus makes a connection with one of the established Guthrie families of the region plausible, but there is currently no evidence sufficient to assign him to the Guthries of that Ilk, Kincaldrum, Ballnabreich, or another specific branch.

His participation in the Broughty ransom may provide additional records through ecclesiastical, governmental, or property sources that could reveal his parentage.

Genealogical Significance

This record establishes a mid-sixteenth-century Guthrie clergyman with a specific ecclesiastical office in Angus.

It is significant because:

• Sir James Guthrie was parson of Kirkbuddo;
• he participated in the substantial 500-crown ransom payment at Broughty;
• his activity places him within the Angus ecclesiastical and political network during the English occupation;
• and his identity can be distinguished from the earlier James Guthries in the Acts by his clerical designation.

The record provides a useful avenue for investigating the emergence of later Guthrie clerical families and the relationship between the Guthrie surname and the church in Angus.

Research Priorities

Further research should seek:

• ecclesiastical records for Kirkbuddo identifying Sir James Guthrie;
• records of his appointment or presentation to the parsonage of Kirkbuddo;
• evidence of his parentage and family;
• records concerning his property or benefice;
• additional records relating to the Broughty ransom;
• and contemporary references to Sir James in the Register of the Privy Council, Great Seal, Exchequer Rolls, ecclesiastical records, and diocesan registers.

The chronology should also be compared with other Guthrie clerics of Angus to determine whether a family connection can be established.

Current Assessment

Identity: Documented — Sir James Guthrie, parson of Kirkbuddo.

Occupation/status: Documented — parish priest/parson of Kirkbuddo.

Geographic association: Kirkbuddo, Angus/Forfarshire.

Role in Broughty ransom: Documented — participant in the payment of 500 crowns to the English.

Parentage: Unresolved within this record set.

Relationship to the Guthries of that Ilk or other Guthrie branches: Unresolved within this record set.