A Cadet or Distinct Branch in Angus

The Guthries associated with Lunan (also Easter Lunan or Inverlunan) in Angus (formerly Forfarshire), Scotland, represent a lesser-known but historically significant line tied to the Abbey of Arbroath’s ecclesiastical lands. Unlike the prominent baronial Guthries of that Ilk (Guthrie parish, with a castle and royal connections), the Lunan Guthries appear primarily as long-term tenants/leaseholders rather than freehold owners. Their story illustrates typical 15th–17th-century Scottish land dynamics: abbey feu farms and leases, intermarriages with rising families like the Carnegies, and eventual secularization post-Reformation.

This page draws heavily from Alexander Warden’s Angus or Forfarshire (1884), with cross-references to other sources. Uncertainties persist due to fragmentary records—no direct proven link to Guthrie of that Ilk exists, though geographic proximity and surname sharing fuel speculation.

Early Land History of Lunan

Lunan’s ownership shifted between Crown, nobility, and the Abbey of Arbroath:

• Pre-1309: Crown lands under William the Lion; gifted to Arbroath Abbey (charter 1189), confirmed by Alexander II (1214).
• Pre-1309 reversion: Granted to Hago de Los (18 merks rent).
• Later exchanges: Held briefly by the Earl of Ross; reverted to Crown.
• ~1428: Regranted to Arbroath by James I; set in feu farm to William de Guthrie (14 Dec 1428) for payments in grain/oatmeal. He served on an assize (1450) perambulating Menmuir/Brechin marches. (Warden, pp. 246–247)

The duration of this early Guthrie hold is unknown; by 1496, the abbey regained direct control.

Guthrie Tenancy and Leases (Late 15th–Mid-16th Century)

The family reappears as leaseholders:

• 1496: 19-year lease to Robert Guthrie from Abbot David Lichton.
• 1512: Renewal to James Guthrie (likely Robert’s son/heir).
• 1526: Lease to John Guthrie from Abbot David (Cardinal Beaton).

These Guthries held “considerable standing” locally, intermarrying with notables. (Warden, p. 248)

Key Alliance: In 1527, Margaret Guthrie, daughter of “Guthrie of Lunan” (likely from this line—possibly Robert or a William), married Sir Robert Carnegie, 5th Laird of Kinnaird. This union (pre-12 June 1527) secured dower rights (e.g., conjunct infeftment in Cookstoun lands) and linked the families. Sir Robert (c.1510–1565), a diplomat, judge, and Privy Councillor, expanded Carnegie estates significantly. Margaret (c.1493/1512–1571) acted as executrix after his death. Sources vary on children (7 sons/7 daughters vs. 8/8), but the marriage produced prolific branches (e.g., Earls of Southesk/Northesk). (Fraser’s History of the Carnegies; Jervise, p.195)

End of Guthrie Tenure: In 1544, Cardinal Beaton feued Lunan to John Stewart, 4th Lord Innermeath.

Later Ownership and Brief Guthrie Repurchase

• 1598: Sold by John, 5th Earl of Atholl, to John Guthrie (sasine 1600; m. Margaret Keith; d.1653).
• 1653: Succeeded by nephew John Guthrie of Over Dysart (heritable retour).
• 1667: Disposed to Sir Francis Ogilvy of New Grange (sasine 8 Sept).

This brief repurchase may represent a different John Guthrie (possibly related to main line or unrelated), as no clear patrilineal continuity from earlier leases is documented.

Timeline of Key Events

Theories, Nuances, and Uncertainties

• Distinct vs. Cadet Branch? No primary evidence ties Lunan Guthries directly to Guthrie of that Ilk (barony from 1460s). Proximity suggests possible cadet origin, but records favor independent tenancy. Modern DNA projects show multiple Guthrie clusters.
• Margaret’s Parentage: Often “daughter of Guthrie of Lunan” (no first name); some speculate William or link to Hiltoun branch—unproven. WikiTree notes unknown parents.
• Edge Cases: “Guthrie Castle, Lunan” in some trees is erroneous (no castle there; conflation with Guthrie parish). Later John Guthrie (1598) may be unrelated.
• Implications: Lunan Guthries exemplify abbey-dependent gentry; Margaret’s marriage boosted status via Carnegie alliances amid Reformation land shifts.

READING and RESOURCES

BOOK: Warden, Alexander (1884). Angus of Forfarshire. Digital Repository: Internet Archive

BOOK: Jervise, Andrew (1853). History and Traditions of the Land of the Lindsays in Angus and Mearns.

p.195
“It was not, however, until the time of Sir Robert (Carnegie), the fourth in descent from Dothan, that the family rose to importance. He is supposed to have been author of a book on Scots Law, cited as Liber Caregii, and was appointed a Lord of Sessioni n 1547, but for this he was to have no remuneration.” … “He was also employed in the many important national transactions, and added the properties of Little Carcary, Fithie, Arrat, Cookstone, Athie, and the barony of Panbride in Angus, and others in Perth, Fife, and the East and West Lothian, to his paternal estate. He died in 1565, and by Margaret, daughter to Guthrie of Lunan, left a family of seven sons and seven daughters. The oldest of the former, Sir John, was so much the confidant of the unfortunate Queen Mary, that in 1570, she is said to have written a letter craving Sir John’s advice on how to act in her difficulties.”
* This Sir Robert had a natural son, John, who bought the lands of Carnegie, and was designated John Carnegie of that Ilk, in 1581.

BOOK: Fraser, William (1867). History of the Cardegies, Earls of Southesk, and of their Kindred.

Includes a chapter on:
X. Sir Robert Carnegie fifth of Kinnaird, Knight, 1513-1565. Margaret Guthrie (of Lunan), 1527-1571.
Note the author lists 8 sons and 8 daughter vs. the 7 and 7 mentioned in the other source above. Names and info listed.