Guthrie Mentions in the
Register of the Great Seal of Scotland

Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum (RMS)

Volume 11 (1660-1668)

Overview

Peak activity: Colliestoun/Collistoun expansion (Sir Henry Guthrie + wives Margaret Livingstone/Jean Lindsay/Barbara Urquhart; Roxburghshire and Aberdeenshire acquisitions). Francis Guthrie of Gagie confirms core barony of Guthrie (Charter 565, detailed succession). Henry Guthrie (Kilspindie minister → Bishop of Dunkeld). Halkertoun (Gideon, Henry), Carsbank (Alexander). Notaries (John, William W.S.), bailie Thomas of Forfar, minister John of Forfar. Persistent Hiltoun/Guthrie place names.

Genealogical value: Highest for later cadet expansion, high clergy, and marriage alliances (Lindsay, Urquhart, Sibbald, Philp).

Rule over Scotland between 1660 and 1668

Between 1660 and 1668, the monarch who reigned over Scotland was King Charles II. His reign over the three kingdoms (Scotland, England, and Ireland) began in May 1660 and lasted until his death in 1685, marking the restoration of the monarchy.

Chronological Summary of Major Charters
^{Click the Charter # Navigation Links in the Table to go Directly to that Charter}

Charter Details in Chronological Order
^{Navigation links go to original Latin text images in RMS}

Charter 209. Major Entry / High Value

Charter 209, 21 February 1662, Edinburgh
(RMS – Volume 11 – Images 106-107– Pages 98-99)

THE KEEPERS grant to HENRY GUTHRIE OF COLLISTOUN and MARGARET LIVINGSTOUN his spouse, and the longest liver of them, in conjunct fee, and the heirs lawfully begotten between them, whom failing the said Henry’s nearest lawful heirs and assignees whomsoever, the lands and barony of Skræsburg or Hunthill (excepting that 10-merk land of old extent in the town and territory of Langtoun, called Glaudstanis Lands only); also the lands of Naither Chatto, with the corn mill, mill-lands, etc., the lands of Edlisclough, Scharplae, and Hanging-shaw, and the lands of Laiphope, with the castles, manor-places, etc.: all united into the barony of Skræsbrughe or Hunthill, in the sheriffdom of Roxburgh;—which lands, etc., formerly belonged to Sir Thomas Rutherfurde of Hunthill, knight, and on 17th December last were apprised from him at the instance of the said Henry Guthrie and Margaret Livingston, in satisfaction of a sum of 7425 merks of principal, and £247, 1s. 1d. of sheriff’s fee… Rendering therefor yearly the dues and services used and wont; with right of redemption reserved.

Significance/Role within the Document:

• Henry Guthrie of Collistoun and Margaret Livingstone are the primary grantees of a newly erected barony via apprising.
• Represents significant territorial expansion for the Collistoun line into Roxburghshire.

Guthrie Research / Genealogical Value / Notes:

• High value for the Collistoun cadet line — documents land acquisition strategy in the 1660s.
• Confirms marriage alliance with Margaret Livingstone.
• Apprising: Legal process to recover debt by valuing and transferring debtor’s lands.
• Conjunct fee: Joint heritable ownership with right of survivorship. 

Charter 221. Major Entry / High Value

Charter 221, 3 March 1662, Edinburgh
(RMS – Volume 11 – Images 113-114 – Pages 105-106)

THE KING confirms a contract and appointment between Mr David Sybbald of Kair and HENRY GUTHRIE, eldest lawful son of Gideon Guthrie of Halkertoun, and MARGARET SYBBALD his spouse, only lawful daughter of the said Mr David, dated 25 June 1660, whereby Mr David bound himself to infeft the said Henry Guthrie and Margaret Sybbald his wife, and the longest liver of them in conjunct fee, for their aliment, and their heirs, in the town and lands of Castletone and Watstone…

Significance/Role within the Document:

• Marriage settlement providing landed provision for Henry Guthrie (son of Gideon) and Margaret Sybbald.
• Margaret Sybbald is the daughter of Mr David Sybbald of Kair

Guthrie Research / Genealogical Value / Notes:

• High value for Halkertoun cadet line — establishes parentage and Kincardineshire connection.
• Aliment: Maintenance provision

Charter 269. Major Entry / High Value

Charter 269, 1 July 1662, Edinburgh
(RMS – Volume 11, Images 145-146, Pages 137-138)

THE KING grants to GIDEON GUTHRIE OF KINNARIES, his heirs male and assignees, the town and land of Halkertoun, with mill, etc., in the barony of Essie and sheriffdom of Forfar, together with tenandries and superiority, annualrents, etc., as due by James, Earl of Buchan, to the late HENRY GUTHRIE OF HALCARTOUN, father of said Gideon; also to JOHN GUTHRIE his son, or said HENRY GUTHRIE his nephew, or any of his predecessors, together with teind sheaves and parsonage teinds, etc., due to the said JOHN GUTHRIE, heir male retoured to the said late Henry, his only son, begotten between him and Elizabeth Lindsay his first wife; which superiorities and tenandries belonged to the said James, Earl of Buchan; and all the said teinds and parsonage teinds, rents, etc., formerly belonged to the said John G., and with consent of Isobella Philp, now the wife of the said John, and certain others as procurators, were assigned at Edinburgh with all right, titles, etc., to the said Gideon:—TO BE HELD of the Crown:—Rendering therefor the said Gideon the dues and services used and wont, and for the teinds thereof one penny at Whitsuntide as blench-ferm, and to the minister serving the cure at the church of Forfar, the vicarage teinds:—Witnesses’ names not engrossed.

Significance/Role within the Document:

• Gideon Guthrie of Kinnaries receives a comprehensive grant consolidating superiorities, tenandries, and teinds of Halkertoun.
• Explicit family connections to the late Henry Guthrie of Halcartoun (father) and John Guthrie (son/heir male).
• Involves prior assignments and consents from family members.

Guthrie Research / Genealogical Value / Notes:

• High genealogical value for the Halkertoun/Halcartoun cadet line — clearly links three generations and confirms Elizabeth Lindsay as first wife of Henry and Isobella Philp as wife of John.
• Retoured heir male: Heir formally recognized through a retour (inquest of service).
• Blench-ferm: Nominal feudal duty (here a penny) acknowledging superior lordship.
• Vicarage teinds: Lesser tithes payable to the parish minister.
• Strong primary evidence for succession, marriages, and land rights in Forfarshire. 

Charter 354. Notable Entry / Supporting Role

Charter 354, 19 January 1663 Edinburgh
(RMS – Volume 11 – Images 188-189 – Pages 180-181)

THE KING, with a clause of novodamus, grants to Alexander Wedderburne of Kinganie … the lands of Easter Powrie … which lands and barony disponed in principal … were resigned by Dowgald McPherson … with consent of JONET GUTHRIE his spouse and John McPherson his son.

Significance/Role within the Document:

• Jonet Guthrie provides consent as spouse of Dowgald McPhersonin the resignation of the lands of Easter Powrie.

Guthrie Research / Genealogical Value / Notes:

• Moderate value — marriage alliance to McPherson of Easter Powrie. 

Charter 444. Notable Entry / Supporting Role

Charter 444, 6 July 1663, Edinburgh
(RMS – Volume 11, Images 232-233, Pages 224-225)

THE KING, by charter of apprising, grants to ALEXANDER SEATON, merchant burgess of Edinburgh, his heirs and assignees whomsoever, the lands of West Cottoun of Kerse, otherwise called McSheill; Peatgate, Mardmilne, with mill-lands, buildings, etc., in the barony of Findhaven; the Forest of Platoun and sheriffdom of Forfar; the lands of Westburne and Clouchtoune, otherwise called Myresyde, with pertinents, in the barony of Roslen; the lands of Turring, including the lands and barony of Balgavie, the burgh of barony of same, with all the liberties of the said burgh and the barony of the Greenmyre; the mill and loch of Balgavie and all pertinents; the lands of Hiltoun of Guthrie, Picktoun, with woods, etc., the lands of Overturing, Netherturing, and pendicle thereof, called The Whindonie, Furdo, with buildings and fishings in the loch of Rascavie, in the barony of Turing, with the teind sheaves of the barony and of that of Balgavies, with all pertinents, in the parish of Aberlemno; the lands and barony of Redcastle, Cowhill, and Innerkeillour, including these particular towns and lands, etc. … all belonging formerly to William Ruthven of Gardein, and apprised from him at Edinburgh on 22nd May last, before William Ewing, messenger and sheriff, at the instance of the said Alexander, in payment of the sum of 10 thousand merks, with £4000 contained in two obligations by the deceased Sir Francis [Ruthven] of Kerse, knight, to him, and in the decreet at his instance against William Ruthven … £16,985, 6s. 8d. in all, with sheriff’s fee. Rendering therefor yearly the dues and services used and wont,—redeemable by William Ruthven on payment of the above—one sasine to be sufficient.

Significance/Role within the Document:

• Large apprising grant of extensive Forfarshire lands and baronies to Alexander Seaton.
• Hiltoun of Guthrie, Picktoun appears as one of the included properties in the comprehensive list of lands being transferred.

Guthrie Research / Genealogical Value / Notes:

• Moderate value for place-name continuity of Hiltoun of Guthrie / Picktoun (Pikertoun) within the barony of Turing / broader Forfarshire estates.
• Apprising: Scottish legal process allowing a creditor to have debtor’s lands valued and sold to satisfy a debt.
• Sasine: Legal act of delivering feudal possession of land.
• Decreet: Formal court judgment.

Charter 489. Notable Entry / Supporting Role

Charter 489, 3 August 1663, Edinburgh
(RMS – Volume 11, Images 253-254, Pages 245-246)

THE KING, with Clause of Novodamus, grants to JAMES, EARL OF SOUTHESK, LORD CARNEGIE OF KINAIRD AND LEUCHARIS, as heir male served to the late David, Earl of Southesk, his father, his heirs male and assignees whomsoever, the lands of Strath called Steilstrath, with buildings, etc., and common rights on the moor of Lucher, with that piece of the lands of Dilledies called The Hill of Dilledies … the town and lands of Carnegie … the lands of Braikie and Bellishawne … the Toft and Croft of Whytfallis, on the east part of Hiltoun of Guthrie; the Toft and Croft of Lunansyde, between the lands of Kinnell on the east and the lands of Guthrie on the west, the water of Lunan on the south and the moor of Montrewmonth on the north … which lands, etc., formerly belonged to John, Earl of Ethie, James, Earl of Airlie, Stratoun of Lawristoune, and Archibald Wood of Hiltoun, and were resigned by them for new infeftment to the above:—and uniting the whole into one free barony, to be called the barony of Carnegie, with the manor-place of Carnegie as principal messuage—one sasine to be sufficient. Rendering yearly the dues and services, taxed ward, etc., as more particularly mentioned in the charter, and providing three suits at the three capital pleas of the regality of Aberbrothock at the Abbey;—entry of heirs taxed at duplicand.

Significance/Role within the Document:

• Large novodamus grant uniting extensive Forfarshire lands into the barony of Carnegie.
• Hiltoun of Guthrie and Guthrie appear as boundary/place-name references in the detailed description of the granted lands (specifically tofts/crofts adjacent to them).

Guthrie Research / Genealogical Value / Notes:

• Moderate value for place-name continuity of Hiltoun of Guthrie and Guthrie lands within the Montrewmonth / Lunan area.
• Novodamus: Clause by which the Crown grants fresh title to confirm, amend, or unite prior rights.
• Duplicand: Double the annual duty payable on entry of heirs.
• Three suits at three capital pleas: Standard feudal service of attending the head courts three times a year.
• Reinforces the geographic footprint of Guthrie-associated holdings in Forfarshire during large barony consolidations.

Charter 524. Notable Entry / Supporting Role

Charter 524, 7 September 1663, Edinburgh
(RMS – Volume 11, Images 270-271, Pages 262-263)

THE KING grants a charter of confirmation in favour of Mr Henry Drummond of Balloch, eldest lawful son and heir apparent of the late George Drummond of Balloch, confirming four earlier charters … including the third part of the lands of Kirktoun of Blair, once belonging to John Guthrie and the late Jonet his wife, then by Patrick Blair, portioner thereof, and his tenants, and sold by him to George Drummond … together with other lands, teinds, mills, fishings, and rights in the parishes of Blair, Rescobie, etc. Rendering therefor the duties and services used and wont, as mentioned in the charters; with precepts and instruments of sasines thereon.

Significance/Role within the Document:

• Confirmation of multiple prior charters relating to lands in Perthshire (Blair, Gowrie, Scone area).
• John Guthrie and the late Jonet his wife are noted as former owners/occupiers of the third part of the lands of Kirktoun of Blair.

Guthrie Research / Genealogical Value / Notes:

• Moderate value — records John Guthrie and wife Jonet as previous possessors in the historical chain of title for Kirktoun of Blair lands (Perthshire / Gowrie area).
• Confirmation charter: Ratifies and strengthens prior titles.
• Precepts and instruments of sasines: Documents authorizing and recording legal delivery of land possession.
• Useful for expanding the geographic spread of Guthrie individuals beyond core Angus/Forfarshire holdings. 

Charter 565. Major Entry / High Value

Charter 565, 4 March 1664, Edinburgh
(RMS – Volume 11, Images 296-297, Pages 288-289)

THE KING grants a charter of confirmation in favour of FRANCIS GUTHRIE OF GAGIE [confirming a charter granted by the deceased Mr John Guthrie of that Ilk, as hereditary proprietor, in favour of Francis Guthrie of Gagie and Betty Guthrie, his wife, and the survivor in conjunct fee, and the heirs male of their bodies, whom failing, of his heirs male, whom also failing, to Mr Patrick Guthrie, son of the said Mr John, and the heirs male of his body, whom failing, to Mr James Guthrie, minister at Arbirlot, and the heirs male of his body, whom all failing, to the heirs male whomsoever of Mr John],—of the lands and barony of Guthrie, comprehending the Mains of Guthrie, of old called The Kirktoun of Guthrie, with manor-place, buildings, etc., and rabbit warrens, the grain-mill of Guthrie and mill-lands thereof; the Eilack and pertinents; the lands of Teiltoun, with pertinents; also Eastertoun, called Haltoun and Milntoun of Guthrie, with buildings, etc., being part of the said barony, together with the patronage of the provostry and prebendary of the Collegiate Church of Guthrie, with commonity in the moor of Montrewmonth—reserving the lands of Hiltoun—both property and superiority, and the same of the lands of Langlands, being parts of the same barony; also the church and Temple lands of Kilcreich; also the lands of Brax, with teind sheaves and pertinents thereof, in the lordship and regality of Aberbrothock and sheriffdom of Forfar; also that part of the moor commonly called the Firth of Aberbrothock, having the high road which comes from the burgh of Aberbrothock, and the burgh of Forfar adjacent to that part of the moor which belonged to the lordship of Spynie; the common muire of the said burgh of Aberbrothock and the road called Guydisgait to the north, south, and east, and the moor and arable lands of Brax on the west:—Reserving to the Crown the duties accustomed to be paid from the mill-lands and others foresaid. Witnesses’ names not engrossed.

Significance/Role within the Document:

• Major confirmation of the core lands and barony of Guthrie to Francis Guthrie of Gagie and Betty Guthrie his wife, with detailed tail-male succession provisions involving Mr Patrick Guthrie and Mr James Guthrie, minister at Arbirlot.

Guthrie Research / Genealogical Value / Notes:

• Very high value for the main Guthrie line and Gagie cadet branch — documents formal transfer of the historic barony, collegiate church patronage, and family succession planning.
• Conjunct fee: Joint ownership with right of survivorship.
• Tail-male succession: Inheritance restricted to male heirs in a specified order.
• Commonity: Shared rights in common land (moor).
• Patronage of the provostry and prebendary: Right to appoint to positions in the Collegiate Church of Guthrie. 

Charter 566. Notable Entry / Supporting Role

Charter 566, 9 March 1664, Edinburgh
(RMS – Volume 11, Image 297, Page 289)

THE KING grants a charter of confirmation in favour of JOHN OGILVIE [confirming a charter of alienation, and disposition therein contained, with precept of sasine granted by Andrew Lyell of Gravesend, with the consent of Elizabeth Panter, one of the two daughters and heirs portioners of the deceased David Panter of Friock, William Milne at Lethinmilne, her husband, Anne Young, daughter of Robert Young (once in Panbryd, now in Carnoustie), by the deceased Christine Panter, his second wife, and heir served to the said Christine, the other of the two daughters, and by the said Robert Young, for himself and as tutor of the foresaid, and by the rest of the persons consenting to the above] to John Ogilvie of Pitmowes, his heirs and assignees whomsoever, of the town and lands of Friock, with mills and mill-lands, in the barony of Gardin and sheriffdom of Forfar, and the quarter of Hiltoun, otherwise called Longlands, in the barony of Guthrie and same sheriffdom, with precept of sasine. Written by William Litle, servant of William Gray of Haystoune—at Forfar, 5th days of October and 1663; witnesses, William . . . . Thomas Guthrie, one of the bailies of the burgh of Forfar and the said William Little.

Significance/Role within the Document:

• Confirmation of alienation of lands including the quarter of Hiltoun otherwise called Longlands in the barony of Guthrie.
• Thomas Guthrie appears as one of the witnesses (bailie of the burgh of Forfar).

Guthrie Research / Genealogical Value / Notes:

• Moderate value — place-name reference to Hiltoun / Longlands in the barony of Guthrie and civic role for Thomas Guthrie as bailie and witness (1663).
• Heirs portioners: Co-heiresses sharing inheritance.
• Tutor: Legal guardian.
• Precept of sasine: Written warrant for giving legal possession of land.
• Strengthens evidence of Hiltoun of Guthrie as a recognized subdivision within the barony.

Charter 719. Major Entry / High Value

Charter 719, 13 February 1665, Edinburgh
(RMS – Volume 11, Images 370-371, Pages 362-363)

THE KING grants a charter of confirmation in favour of SIR HENRY GUTHRIE OF COLLIESTOUN, his heirs and assignees whomsoever [confirming a matrimonial contract between John Guthrie, apparent of Coliestoune, for himself, and taking burden for the said Henry Guthrie, younger of Coliestoun, his eldest lawful son, with the consent of Henry Guthrie of Coliestoune, the father of the said John, and others, and the late Jean Lindsay, lawful daughter of the deceased Laurence Lindsay, son of the deceased Mr John Lindsay of Dowhill, bearing date 1656, and an obligation and precept of sasine therein, granted by the said John Guthrie, for infefting the said Sir Henry and his heirs by the late Jean Lindsay, his wife, whom failing, his heirs and assignees whomsoever,—under the conditions contained in the said contract,—in the lands of Coliestoune, Ruyeffs, and Park of Conon, with mills and all pertinents, and that croft called Guthrieshill, with pertinents thereof, in the parish of St. Vigians, regality and lordship of Aberbrothock, and sheriffdom of Forfar]:—Witnesses’ names not engrossed.

Significance/Role within the Document:

• Confirmation of a 1656 matrimonial contract providing for infeftment of Sir Henry Guthrie of Colliestoun in specified lands.

Guthrie Research / Genealogical Value / Notes:

• High value for the Colliestoun cadet line — details family structure (father Henry Guthrie of Coliestoune, son John Guthrie apparent) and marriage to the late Jean Lindsay (daughter of Laurence Lindsay of Dowhill line).
• Matrimonial contract: Marriage settlement agreement outlining property provisions.
• Taking burden for: Acting as legal representative/guarantor.
• Infefting: Investing with legal feudal possession.
• Precept of sasine: Written order for delivering possession of land.
• Excellent primary evidence of marriage alliances and land provisions in the mid-17th century.

Charter 785. Major Entry / High Value

Charter 785, 30 June 1665, Whitehall
(RMS – Volume 11, Image 404, Page 396)

LETTERS directed to William, Earl of Keith, Lord Marshal, Keeper of the Privy Seal, narrating that the Episcopate of Dunkeld is vacant, and the disposition thereof in the Crown’s hands, owing to the death of the most reverend father George, late Bishop of the Diocese, and that neither a Dean nor chapter have been constituted, and the Crown, being apprised of the fitness of MR HENRY GUTHRIE, minister at the Church of Kilspindie, confers therefore the said Bishopric of Dunkeld in liferent upon him, with all benefices thereof, and lands, buildings, mills, woods and fishings, parsonage and other teinds and all other dues, etc., the patronage of all churches, chapels, etc., belonging to the said bishopric before the Reformation of religion; with jurisdiction of a free regality, chapel and chancery; directing the Lords of Council and Session to cause the said Mr Henry be answered and put in possession to this effect. Witnesses’ names not engrossed.

Significance/Role within the Document:

• Royal letters appointing Mr Henry Guthrie, minister at Kilspindie, to the Bishopric of Dunkeld in liferent, granting full temporalities and spiritualities.

Guthrie Research / Genealogical Value / Notes:

• Very high value — documents a major ecclesiastical promotion for a Guthrie cleric in the Restoration period.
• Liferent: Lifetime right to the income and use of the benefice (not full heritable ownership).
• Benefices: Church endowments and associated revenues.
• Patronage: Right to appoint clergy to churches/chapels.
• Free regality: Jurisdiction with regality powers (almost like a mini-kingdom with civil and criminal authority).
• Chancery: Court for handling legal documents and writs.
• Strong evidence of Guthrie prominence in the post-Reformation Church of Scotland hierarchy. 

Charter 874. Notable Entry / Supporting Role

Charter 874, 2 February 1666, Edinburgh
(RMS – Volume 11, Images 447-448, Pages 439-440)

THE KING, with consent of (5) (7), grants to JOHN ELEIS, writer in Edinburgh, and CATHERINE LESLIE, his wife, and the survivor, in conjunct fee, and the lawful heirs of their bodies, whom failing, to the said John’s nearest heirs and assignees whomsoever,—the lands and barony of Ridcastle, Cowhowes and Innerkeillour, comprehending the following, viz., the principal mains of the said barony, with the castle and manor-place thereof, buildings; the alehouse and brewery lands called the wester-maynes of Reidcastle; the lands of Ironshill, Lavewckhill and Newbarnes; Fishertoune, Fisherlands with the fishing boat thereof; the town and lands of Inshok, lands of Parkland, with houses, etc., and the marsh called the Balnamoonsmyre with pertinents thereof; Cheppeltoune, Peirsfield, Mill of Innerkeilor alias Kirktoun mylne with mill-lands; Ballindoch, the town and lands of Walkmylnes and waulk mill thereof; the town and lands of Hedgtoune and Falaues, the lands of Hiltoune and Grang, with the patronage of the chaplainry of Whytfield, and all the other churches, etc., of the above barony, and all the other lands, mills, salmon and other fishings in fresh and salt water, warrens, tenants, tenandries, etc., of the said barony, in the sheriffdom of Forfar, and all the lands of whatever name and held by whatever tenure which belonged to the deceased William Ruthven, and especially, without prejudice to the generality abovementioned, the lands of Bryanstoune, Annatistoune, and Myresyde with all the pertinents thereof, which are pendicles of the said barony of Reidcastle; the lands and barony of Turein, comprehending the following, viz., the lands and barony of Balgawe, the burgh of barony of Balgawye, with all privileges thereof; the burgh of barony of Greinmyre, the mill and loch of Balgawye, and tenants and services, etc., within the boundaries expressed in the infeftment thereof by James VI., under the great seal to Walter Lindsay of Balgawye; the lands of Hiltoune and Guthrie, and the Langlands with the pendicle thereof called Pykerstoun, with woods, tenants and services, etc., Over Turein, Nether Turein, and the pendicles thereof called Quhinnidrum and Surdo, with buildings and pendicles, and fishing in the loch of Rescobie, tenants and services, etc., the teind sheaves of Nether Turein, etc., as above, and of the barony of Balgawye … which lands, etc., belonged to the late William Ruthven of Garden, brother and heir of the deceased Sir Francis Ruthven of Carse, knight; and, with the exception of the barony of Home and Meikle Birgeam, were apprised in a court held by Patrick Eviot, messenger, at Edinburgh, on the 6th October 1658, from the said William, at the instance of Alexander Leslie, writer to the signet, for a sum mentioned in the decreet of date 1st November 1658; and the said Alexander Leslie assigned the said decreet by his letters, dated 15th April 1659, to the said John Elleis and his wife as above; and the lands and barony of Home, etc., were apprised before the same messenger in a court held at Edinburgh, 25th April 1662, from the said William Ruthven at the instance of the said John Elleis, for sums mentioned in the decreet, then extending to 6457 merks of principal, and 322 merks of sheriff’s fee; the decreet endorsed 19th June 1662; one sasine to be sufficient:—Rendering therefor yearly the duties and services used and wont; subject to the legal reversion. Witnesses’ names not engrossed.

Significance/Role within the Document:

• Large grant (with consent) to John Eleis and Catherine Leslie of multiple baronies and lands in Forfarshire (and Berwickshire), following apprisings from William Ruthven.
• Hiltoune and Guthrie, and the Langlands with pendicle Pykerstoun (Pykertoun) are explicitly included among the listed properties.

Guthrie Research / Genealogical Value / Notes:

• Moderate value — reinforces the place-name recognition of Hiltoune and Guthrie / Langlands / Pykerstoun within larger barony transactions in Forfarshire.
• Apprising: Court process for valuing and selling lands to satisfy debts.
• Legal reversion: Right of redemption by the original owner upon repayment.
• Writer to the signet: Senior legal practitioner.

Charter 1135. Notable Entry / Supporting Role

Charter 1135, 31 January 1668, Edinburgh
(RMS – Volume 11, Image 578, Page 570)

THE KING grants to MR THOMAS SMALL, minister at Forfar, and SUSANNA OGILVIE, his wife, and the survivor in conjunct fee and liferent, and James Small, their eldest lawful son, and the heirs of his body, whom failing, Mr Thomas Small’s nearest heirs and assignees whomsoever,—the lands of Quarrellhill and pertinents called Dobies and Coltoune, with buildings, etc., and fishings on the water of Southesk (excepting as below), with multures free from thirlage to any mill whatsoever in the barony of Forrest of Plattoune and sheriffdom of Forfar; and the lands of Wolfaw, with buildings, etc., and multures as above, with privilege of peat, turf, and muck feal in the said forest, and all other privileges belonging to the said land; reserving the portion of the said town and lands of Quarrellhill called the Quarrellhauchfauldis, which is now the mill-land of the new milne disponed by the late David Lindsay of Quarrellhill, and Lilias Ruthven, his wife, to the late Sir Henry Lindsay of Carreldstoune, afterwards Earl of Craufurd, according to a contract between them, dated 11th March 1617; with full power to the said Mr Thomas Small to sell or dispone the above lands, or set tacks thereon, etc., without his son’s consent;—which lands, etc., formerly belonged to John Lindsay of Corriehill, and with the consent of George, Lord Spynie, his immediate superior, and Captain James Ramsay, writer in Montrose, as assignee constituted by the late John Erskine at Dumfermling, and Thomas Robertsone, notary in Forfar, heir of the deceased David Robertsone, notary there, his father, as regarding their separate rights, were resigned in favour of the above; (instruments in the hands of MR WILLIAM GUTHRIE, writer to the signet, notary public); one sasine at the manor-place of Quarrellhill or elsewhere to be sufficient:—Rendering therefor yearly one silver penny blench. Witnesses’ names not engrossed.

Significance/Role within the Document:

• Grant of lands of Quarrellhill and related properties to Mr Thomas Small and Susanna Ogilvie.
• Mr William Guthrie, writer to the signet and notary public, is the person in whose hands the instruments of resignation were taken.

Guthrie Research / Genealogical Value / Notes:

• Moderate value — records Mr William Guthrie (W.S.) acting as notary in a land resignation and grant in Forfarshire.
• Writer to the signet (W.S.): Member of an elite group of solicitors authorized to prepare and sign documents under the royal signet.
• Blench: Nominal feudal duty (here one silver penny).
• Thirlage: Obligation to use a specific mill for grinding grain.
• Muck feal: Right to take turf or sods for manure/soil improvement.
• Adds to evidence of Guthries in professional legal/notarial roles in Angus during the 1660s.

Charter 1139. Notable Entry / Supporting Role

Charter 1139, 7 February 1668, Edinburgh
(RMS – Volume 11, Images 579-580, Pages 571-572)

THE KING grants to ROBERT DAVIDSONE, eldest son of the deceased Robert Davidson senior, and one of the bailies of the burgh of Dundee, his heirs and assignees whomsoever, on the condition that Robert Davidone, junior, and his foresaids fulfil the provision of liferent and the other conditions stipulated by the said Robert Davidone, senior, in terms of his marriage contract, last will and testament or otherwise, in favour of Grizel Browne, his widow, and George, John, Grizel and Elizabeth Davidsones, their children, in the disposition aftermentioned,—the lands of Balgay, with manor-place, etc., salmon and other fishings, and all pertinents, including the Mains of Balgay, the town and lands of Hilfeild and Backsyde of Balgay; the town and lands of Butterdaill, quarry and salmon fishing, being pendicles of Balgay; with all privileges and pertinents, teind sheaves, parsonage teinds, and other fruits, etc., excepting that portion or the shed of Balgay called the Longforbank, out of the 16 acres there, and that piece of ground called the Latch on the south of the Forebank, and the teind sheaves thereof belonging to Sir Alexander Wedderburne of Blacknesse;—which lands, etc., were resigned by John Huntar of Balgay, with the consent of Margaret Ogilvie, his wife, and Margaret Scrimgeour, his mother, widow of the late Mr William Huntar of Balgay, his father, and David Huntar of Burnsyde, Andrew Huntar, his son, and others, at Edinburgh, for new infeftment; (instruments in the hands of John Guthrie, notary public, dated 11th August 1665):—Rendering therefor yearly for the above lands, mill, and fishing, £16, 2s. as part of the ancient feu-farm of £25, 6s. 8d. for Balgay and Logie, and 2s. in augmentation of the rental of the lordship of Scone, with 3 suits at the 3 head courts of the said lordship; entry of heirs taxed at duplicand; for the teinds and teind sheaves, 1d. blench. Witnesses’ names not engrossed.

Significance/Role within the Document:

• Grant of the lands of Balgay and related properties to Robert Davidone. Instrument dated 11 August 1665.
• John Guthrie, notary public, is the person in whose hands the instruments of resignation (dated 11 August 1665) were taken.

Guthrie Research / Genealogical Value / Notes:

• Moderate value — records John Guthrie actively serving as notary public in a land resignation and grant in Forfarshire.
• Feu-farm: Perpetual lease with fixed annual payment.
• Duplicand: Double the annual duty payable upon entry of heirs.
• Blench: Nominal feudal duty (here one penny).
• Suits at head courts: Obligation to attend the principal courts of the lordship three times a year.
• Adds to the pattern of Guthries in professional notarial roles supporting land transactions in Angus. 

Charter 1143. Major Entry / High Value

Charter 1143, 7 February 1668, Edinburgh
(RMS – Volume 11, Image 581, Page 573)

THE KING grants to ALEXANDER GUTHRIE OF CARSBANK, and his heirs and assignees whomsoever,—the Easter and Wester Craigheads, multures, and duties thereof, as now possessed by Henry Forest and John Dalgatie, between the lands of Shipherdseat on the east, Carse, commonly called Carsefuird and Parkzeat on the west, with privilege of pasturage, and fewall, feall and divot on the hill of Phinheaven, as the said Henry Forrest and John Dalgatie are wont, in the barony of Phinheaven and sheriffdom of Forfar; similarly the tenandry and superiority of the town and lands of Carsgowane, which are an equal half of the lands of Eister Maristains, with buildings and pertinents, in the same barony;—which lands, etc., were resigned by George, Lord Spynie, with the consent of the Earl of Ethie, William Gray of Haystoune, and Peter Turnbull of Stracathrow, for new infeftment; (instruments in the hands of John Cuninghame of Interkin, writer to the signet, notary public); one sasine at the town of Wester Craighead or elsewhere to be sufficient:—Rendering therefor yearly one silver penny at the Castle of Phinheaven:—Witnesses’ names not engrossed.

Significance/Role within the Document:

• Direct grant of the Easter and Wester Craigheads (with multures, duties, and pasturage/divot rights) and the tenandry/superiority of Carsgowane to Alexander Guthrie of Carsbank.

Guthrie Research / Genealogical Value / Notes:

• High value for the Carsbank cadet line — documents active land acquisition and rights in the barony of Phinheaven, Forfarshire.
• Fewall, feall and divot: Rights to cut turf, peat, and sods for fuel or soil improvement.
• Tenandry and superiority: Feudal rights over tenants and oversight of the lands.
• Writer to the signet: Senior legal practitioner.
• Sasine: Formal legal act of giving possession of land.
• Strong evidence of continued Guthrie landholding and expansion in Angus during the late 1660s. 

Charter 1180. Notable Entry / Supporting Role

Charter 1180, 6 May 1668, Whithall
(RMS – Volume 11, Image 602, Page 594)

THE KING, with Clause of Novodamus, grants to JOHN, EARL OF MIDLETOWNE, LORD CLERMONT AND FETTERCARNE, and his heirs male, whom failing, his heirs and assignees whomsoever,—the lands and barony of Auld Montrose, with tower, fortalice, salmon fishing of Southesk, tenants, services, patronages of churches, etc., and the forth part of the moor of Montreuchmont called the furth of Auld Montrose, as possessed by James, Marquess of Montrose, in the sheriffdom of Forfar; which lands were granted to John Grahame of Fintrie … the said lands were resigned, 22nd December 1665; (instruments in the hands of John Guthrie); and the said John Grahame of Fintrie … sold the same to the said Earl of Middeltowne … and the same lands were resigned de novo to the same, by the abovementioned; (instruments in the hands of Mr William Thomsone, notary public, dated 26th November 1667); uniting the whole into the barony of Auld Montrose, with the manor-place thereof, as principal messuage; one sasine taken there to be sufficient. Rendering therefor yearly the duties and services used and wont; and his heirs paying £106, 13s. 4d. for ward and non-entry, £100, 13s. 4d. for relief, and for marriage duty £426, 13s. 4d. Witnesses’ names not engrossed.

Significance/Role within the Document:

• Large novodamus grant and unification of the barony of Auld Montrose to the Earl of Middeltowne.
• John Guthrie is recorded as the person in whose hands instruments of resignation were taken (dated 22 December 1665).

Guthrie Research / Genealogical Value / Notes:

• Moderate value — documents John Guthrie in a notarial capacity during a major barony resignation and unification in Forfarshire.
• Novodamus: Clause granting fresh Crown title to confirm or unite rights.
• De novo: Anew / afresh (new resignation).
• Ward and non-entry: Payments due when lands are in ward (minority) or not entered by heir.
• Relief: Payment on entry of heir.
• Marriage duty: Payment related to the marriage of an heir.

Charter 1197. Major Entry / High Value

Charter 1197, 19 June 1668, Edinburgh
(RMS – Volume 11, Images 609-610, Pages 601-602)

THE KING grants to MR WILLIAM MOIRE, advocate, and his heirs and assignees whomsoever,—the lands formerly called the lands and barony of Fisherrie, comprehending the lands and the maynes thereof, mill, mill-lands, and multures; the lands of Feachfauldes, Newseate, Wallerhilles, Tillibo, Over and Nether Brayes, Clochorbie, Coucroudie, Coatwalles, Blackhouse; with all the pertinents of the above and the teind sheaves thereof, in the sheriffdom of Aberdein; formerly belonging to Sir Alexander Urquhart of Dunglas, held by ward and relief, now fallen to the Crown by recognition through the alienation of the same, or the greater part thereof to certain persons, without the Crown’s consent, and especially, without prejudice to the generality of the foresaid, through the alienation by the said late Sir Alexander Urquhart to SIR HENRY GUTHRIE OF COLLIESTOUN and DAME BARBARA URQUHART, his wife, and the survivor in conjunct fee, and their heirs male, whom failing, the nearest heirs and assignees whomsoever of the said Sir Henry,—of the mains of Fisherrie, Auchlin, Bisset-Croft, Craigwell, Tillibo, Newseate, Over and Nether Brayes, Playhill, Feichfauld and Blackhouse, Easter and Wester, with the vicarage teinds thereof, mentioned in a certain contract between them, of date 29th April 1664, according to which, and precept of sasine contained therein, the said SIR HENRY GUTHRIE and his wife were infeft in the said lands on 7th May of that year, and afterwards on 3rd October 1666—registered in the General Register of Sasines, at Edinburgh, 26th November of that year,—without consent obtained; and an alienation by the said late Sir Alexander Urquhart to Mr James Park, minister, and the deceased Mary Dowglas, his wife, and their heirs therein specified, of the towns of Over and Nether Cloickerbies, Coitwell, Couk and Croudie, and the vicarage teinds thereof, dated — 1662, by which Mr James Park and his wife were infeft, without consent obtained; and another alienation by the said late Sir Alexander Urquhart to Andrew Gerard in Waterhill in liferent and Mr Gilbert Gerard, his lawful son, in fee, and his heirs and successors whomsoever,—of the said town and lands of Wester Walterhill with pertinents, dated 10th November 1662, by virtue of which, and according to the charter thereon of the same date, the said Andrew Gerard and his son were infeft without consent obtained:—Rendering therefor yearly the duties and services used and wont. Witnesses’ names not engrossed.

Significance/Role within the Document:

• Grant to Mr William Moire of the barony of Fisherrie (Aberdeenshire), which had fallen to the Crown by recognition due to unauthorized alienations, including one to Sir Henry Guthrie of Colliestoun and Dame Barbara Urquhart.

Guthrie Research / Genealogical Value / Notes:

• High value for the Colliestoun cadet line — records the 1664 acquisition (in conjunct fee) of substantial Aberdeenshire lands (Fisherrie mains and many associated properties) by Sir Henry Guthrie and his wife Dame Barbara Urquhart, later triggering Crown recognition.
• Recognition: Process by which lands revert to the Crown due to alienation without superior’s consent.
• Infeft: Invested with legal feudal possession.
• General Register of Sasines: Public register of land transactions in Scotland.
• Demonstrates the Colliestoun line’s geographic expansion into Aberdeenshire in the mid-1660s.