RMS – Volume 3

Guthrie Genealogy · Special Collections · Register of the Great Seal

RMS · Volume III

Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum

A.D. 1513–1546
Decorative thistle

Volume III carries the Guthrie documentary record through the reign of James V and into the opening years of the minority of Mary, Queen of Scots. Its entries document the principal family of Guthrie alongside Kincaldrum, Kingany, Eassie, Hiltoun, Kinblathmont, Halkertoun, Balnabreich, Lunan, Colliston, Grandoun, Inverpeffer and other Guthrie individuals whose exact family placement remains unresolved.

61 Expanded RMS Entries
58 Personal / Territorial Guthrie Records
3 Guthrie Place / Ecclesiastical Context Entries
1513–1546 Published Volume Span
Complete Survey · Index Reconciled

Overview

Volume III is particularly rich because it captures several generations of Guthries operating at the same time. Some appear as landed proprietors, some as heirs or spouses, others as royal officials, notaries, clerics, tenants, witnesses, procurators or members of assizes.

The result is not one continuous pedigree but a documentary landscape in which multiple Guthrie families and individuals can be followed independently and compared cautiously.

Land & Succession

Direct grants, resignations, liferents, feuferme holdings, barony confirmations and heirship statements document the movement of land through several Guthrie families.

Named Family Relationships

Several records explicitly identify spouses, fathers, sons, heirs and brothers. These statements carry substantially more genealogical weight than surname similarity or repeated association.

Offices & Professional Roles

The volume preserves Alexander Guthrie as Falkland Pursuivant, Master John Guthrie as notary public, clerical Guthries, procurators, royal servants and men serving on formal assizes.

Guthrie as a Place

Three expanded entries concern Guthrie as a territorial or ecclesiastical designation rather than a person bearing the surname. They remain useful historical evidence but are clearly separated from personal Guthrie records.

Evidence principle: this collection preserves the distinction between what a charter actually states and what later genealogy may infer. A witness appearance does not establish kinship; a territorial designation does not automatically identify ancestry; and a person appearing in the same regional network as another Guthrie is not assigned to that family without additional evidence.

Scotland during the Years of Volume III

The chronological span of Volume III crosses an important political divide. It begins after the death of James IV at Flodden and ends during the childhood reign of his granddaughter, Mary, Queen of Scots.

James V

Reigned 1513–1542

James V inherited the throne as an infant after the death of James IV at Flodden. His minority was marked by competing noble factions and changing guardianship before he assumed personal rule. Much of Volume III therefore records both the mature royal administration of James V and the political networks that had developed around his minority.

Mary, Queen of Scots

Reigned from 1542

Mary succeeded as an infant after the death of James V. The final years of Volume III fall within her early minority, when government was exercised through a governor and competing political interests rather than by the child queen personally.

Why this matters for the records: royal confirmations made during a minority remain Crown records, but the political actors surrounding the Crown change. Witness lists, assizes, officials and grants therefore help reveal not only family relationships but also the changing administrative and noble networks in which the Guthries operated.

Volume III · Master Guthrie Finding Aid

This finding aid includes all sixty-one RMS entries expanded in this Volume III collection. Fifty-eight concern named or territorially identified Guthrie individuals; three concern Guthrie as a place or ecclesiastical designation rather than a person bearing the surname.

The records are classified by the role the Guthrie evidence plays within the document rather than by a subjective “major” or “minor” ranking.

61 Expanded RMS Entries
58 Personal / Territorial Records
3 Place / Ecclesiastical Context
4 Chronological Groups
Property / Tenure Family / Succession Supporting / Office / Network Place / Ecclesiastical Context
Records · 1516–1529 · 18 Entries
Charter Date Guthrie Evidence Documentary Role Record Focus
86 8 Jul 1516 George Guthery Witness George appears among witnesses to an Ogilvy charter concerning lands in Banffshire.
208 30 Oct 1521 Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum Witness Alexander witnesses an Erroll/Hay transaction involving lands and fishings in Perthshire.
219 8 Feb 1521/22 Master John Hay, Provost of Guthrie Place / Ecclesiastical “Guthrie” is the provostship held by John Hay, not his surname.
228 9 Apr 1522 George Gothray Tenant / Occupier George is named as an occupant of a cottage at Gilmertoun.
246 7 Jan 1523/24 Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum;
George Guthrie;
James Guthrie
Family / Witness Network Three Guthries witness a Crago transaction; the record also describes Alexander as brother of James Rynd of Broxmouth.
250 18 Jan 1523/24 Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum;
Elizabeth Rait his wife
Marriage / Property Kincaldrum lands are regranted to Alexander and Elizabeth in conjunct infeftment with a destination to heirs.
305 29 Apr 1525 James Guthrie Witness James witnesses a transaction concerning Easter Kelour in the barony of Eassie.
377 4 Oct 1526 Ninian Guthrie Witness Ninian witnesses a James Rynd land sale in Forfarshire.
428 10 Mar 1526/27 Thomas Guthrie Feuferme Grantee Direct feuferme grant of Dryne in the lordship of Ardmannach to Thomas Guthrie.
441 1 Apr 1527 Master John Hay, Provost of Guthrie Place / Ecclesiastical Guthrie appears as John Hay’s provostship in legal appreciation proceedings.
653 5 Sep 1528 Ninian Gutherye of Kingany Prior Tenure Kingany and its mill are described as lands formerly held by Ninian Guthrie of Kingany before coming to the Crown through the Earl of Angus’s forfeiture.
677 8 Sep 1528 Thomas Guthrie Witness Thomas witnesses a Carncors family grant in Forfarshire.
758 4 Mar 1528/29 George Guthrie Witness George witnesses a Panmure-area sale at Dundee.
811 27 Jul 1529 John Guthrie Witness John appears as a witness in a Kirriemuir-area transaction.
832 2 Sep 1529 Ninian Guthrie of Kingany;
Katherine Moncreiff his wife
Marriage / Property Direct grant of Kingany and its mill to Ninian, with a liferent provision for Katherine.
834 3 Sep 1529 Master Thomas Dickson, Provost of Guthrie Place / Ecclesiastical Guthrie appears as Thomas Dickson’s provostship rather than as a personal surname.
844 6 Oct 1529 Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum Witness Alexander is explicitly named among witnesses to the underlying charter.
845 6 Oct 1529 Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum Incorporated Witness No. 845 directs the reader to the witnesses of Charter 844; Alexander’s witness appearance is therefore incorporated by reference rather than repeated by name.
Records · 1530–1535 · 20 Entries
Charter Date Guthrie Evidence Documentary Role Record Focus
926 29 Mar 1530 Master John Guthrie, notary public Notary / Witness Professional appearance of Master John Guthrie as arts professor and notary public.
1075 1 Oct 1531 Master John Guthrie, notary public Notary / Witness Further professional appearance of Master John as a notary and witness.
1087 8 Nov 1531 William Guthrie;
Alexander Guthrie alias Falkland Pursuivant;
Egidia Guthrie and family
Family / Legal Office A complex compensation proceeding naming several Guthries, including Alexander in his Falkland Pursuivant role.
1104 6 Jan 1531/32 Master James Guthrie, rector of Kirkbuddo;
John Guthrie his son
Father / Son / Property Feuferme grant explicitly linking Master James and his son John, with a further remainder to William son of the late David Guthrie.
1181 12 Jun 1532 Alexander Guthrie alias Falkland Pursuivant Sheriff / Appreciator Alexander acts in an official appraisal proceeding.
1182 12 Jun 1532 Alexander Guthrie alias Falkland Pursuivant Sheriff / Appreciator A second appraisal record documenting Alexander in the same royal-official capacity.
1201 28 Jul 1532 Alexander Guthrie in Grandoun;
Elizabeth Hay his wife
Marriage / Property Direct property evidence for Alexander in Grandoun and Elizabeth Hay.
1247 18 Dec 1532 Alexander Guthrie alias Falkland Pursuivant Direct Land Grant Grant of Bacharis lands arising from Alexander’s sheriff fee; the entry directly connects with the appraisal in Charter 1237.
1249 24 Dec 1532 Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum Witness Kincaldrum Alexander appears as a witness in a separate transaction from the Falkland Pursuivant records.
1250 24 Dec 1532 Thomas Guthrie;
James Rynd of Carse
Witness / Network Thomas appears with James Rynd in a Forfarshire witness network.
1274 29 Mar 1533 Alexander Guthrie of Kinblathmont Witness Secure territorial appearance for Alexander of Kinblathmont.
1326 28 Nov 1533 Andrew Guthrie of that Ilk Assize Andrew serves on a formal assize.
1331 30 Dec 1533 Master James Guthrie, rector of Kirkbuddo;
John Guthrie his son
Father / Son / Confirmation Confirms the earlier Kirkbuddo grant and repeats the direct father-to-son relationship and remainder provisions.
1338 7 Jan 1533/34 Alexander Guthrie alias Falkland Pursuivant Sheriff Fee Alexander appears in connection with compensation for his work as sheriff in that part.
1345 4 Feb 1533/34 Guthrie of that Ilk Feuferme Obligation A longstanding feuferme payment by Guthrie of that Ilk is preserved in the Brechin and Navar rental material.
1386 24 May 1534 David Guthrie of Eassie Territorial / Property David Guthrie of Eassie is identified as hereditary possessor of three quarters of Hiltoun of Guthrie and one quarter of Eastertoun of Guthrie.
1401 20 Jul 1534 Master John Guthrie, notary public Notary / Witness Master John witnesses a liferent grant in his professional capacity.
1417 28 Sep 1534 Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum;
Thomas Guthrie
Witness / Network Two Guthries appear together among witnesses at Kincaldrum.
1465 14 Apr 1535 David Guthrie of Eassie;
Alexander Guthrie of Kinblathmont;
Andrew Guthrie of that Ilk;
Hercules Guthrie of Lunan
Multi-Branch Assize Four territorially identified Guthries serve together on an assize.
1489 12 Jul 1535
underlying charter 9 Jul 1486
Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk Embedded Earlier Witness The 1535 confirmation preserves Alexander de eodem as a witness to an underlying charter executed at Dundee in 1486.
Records · 1536–1540 · 10 Entries
Charter Date Guthrie Evidence Documentary Role Record Focus
1638 18 Dec 1536 Alexander Guthrie of Grandoun;
Elizabeth Hay his wife
Marriage / Property Alexander and Elizabeth appear as sellers in a direct property transaction involving Grandoun.
1711 31 Aug 1537 Alexander Guthrie alias Falkland Pursuivant Sheriff Fee Another entry arising from Alexander’s official sheriff work.
1723 10 Nov 1537 Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk;
John Guthrie;
Alexander Guthrie of Halkertoun
Multi-Guthrie Assize Three Guthries participate in a Forfarshire land appreciation.
1835 10 Sep 1538 Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum Witness Alexander witnesses a Crawford transaction involving Dundee and Forfarshire revenues.
1857 3 Nov 1538 Alexander Guthrie of Halkertoun Witness Secure Halkertoun territorial appearance.
1916 25 Feb 1538/39 David Guthrie of Eassie;
David Guthrie in Inverpeffer;
Ninian Guthrie of Kingany;
John Guthrie of Balnabreich
Multi-Branch Assize Four territorially differentiated Guthries appear together on an assize.
1932 9 Mar 1538/39 Andrew Guthrie of that Ilk Direct Barony Grant The lands are re-incorporated into the free barony of Guthrie for Andrew Guthrie of that Ilk.
2043 2 Dec 1539 Alexander Guthrie Witness Alexander appears as a witness in a Ross/Inverness transaction without a territorial designation.
2064 8 Jan 1539/40 John Guthrie Procurator John acts in a formal legal or representative role.
2085 10 Feb 1539/40 Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum;
Thomas Guthrie his brother german;
additional Guthries
Sibling / Property Alexander transfers Carret to his full brother Thomas; several additional Guthries witness the transaction.
Records · 1541–1545 · 13 Entries
Charter Date Guthrie Evidence Documentary Role Record Focus
2320 26 Mar 1541 John Guthrie Former Feuferme Tenant Brechin and Navar rental material names John Guthrie as a former feuferme tenant or holder. The charter does not itself style him “of Balnabreich.”
2330 15 Apr 1541 James Guthrie;
another unnamed Guthrie
Occupiers / Tenants Guthries are named among occupiers in the Skryne/Panmure property material.
2523 16 Dec 1541 James Guthrie;
Margaret Fauld his wife
Marriage / Occupation Margaret Fauld, spouse of James Guthrie, is named as an occupier of part of Skryne.
2577 10 Jan 1542 John Guthrie in Colliston Direct Crown Grant Direct Crown grant to John Guthrie in Colliston of one-third of Cukistoun.
2746 8 Aug 1542 Thomas Guthrie, son of Alexander of Kinblathmont Explicit Parentage Thomas is expressly described as one of the sons of Alexander Guthrie of Kinblathmont.
2967 31 Oct 1543 Ninian Guthrie of Kingany Assize Ninian appears on an assize late in the documented Kingany sequence.
2973 9 Dec 1543 Alexander Guthrie Witness Alexander appears as a witness to an Aberdeen ecclesiastical land transaction.
2989 5 Feb 1543/44 Alexander Guthrie Witness A further Alexander Guthrie witness appearance at Dundee.
2998 13 Mar 1543/44 Alexander Guthrie, son and apparent heir of Andrew Guthrie of that Ilk Succession / Barony Direct father-to-son succession evidence connected with the barony of Guthrie.
3009 19 Apr 1544 Guthrie of Hiltoun;
Guthrie of Kingany
Territorial / Fines The territorial Guthries of Hiltoun and Kingany appear in a fines list; the Index Nominum associates the Kingany reference with Ninian.
3086 21 Apr 1545 Alexander Guthrie of Halkertoun;
Andrew Guthrie of that Ilk;
Alexander Guthrie in Kinblathmont;
David Guthrie in Inverpeffer
Heirship / Multi-Branch Alexander of Halkertoun is identified as heir of the late Alexander Guthrie; several other Guthries appear in the associated legal proceedings.
3095 25 Apr 1545 John Guthrie;
William Guthrie
Witnesses John and William witness a Melgund-area land transaction.
3138 13 Jul 1545 Alexander Guthrie of Kinblathmont;
John Guthrie
Witnesses Alexander of Kinblathmont and John witness a Melgund-area land transaction.

Earlier Evidence Preserved inside Later Confirmations

A record’s position in Volume III does not always date the Guthrie evidence itself. Charter 1489, for example, was confirmed in 1535 but preserves Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk as a witness to an underlying charter executed in 1486. Both dates therefore matter.

Index convention: Alexander Guthrie alias Falkland Pursuivant is also associated in the printed Index Nominum with [1085], [1237] and [1371]. In those entries the charter names the office Falkland signifer rather than Alexander personally. They are preserved in the recurring-office section rather than counted as additional expanded personal records.
Territorial wording matters: “of,” “in,” “occupying,” “tenant,” “hereditary possessor” and “superior” describe different documentary relationships to land. Charter 1916 explicitly styles John Guthrie of Balnabreich; Charter 2320 merely names a John Guthrie as a former feuferme tenant within the Brechin rental material.
Identification rule: repeated given names do not establish identity. Volume III contains several Alexanders, Johns, Thomases, Davids and Jameses. A man styled of Kincaldrum, Kinblathmont, Hiltoun, Halkertoun, Balnabreich, Kingany or another place is retained under that documentary designation rather than merged with an identically named Guthrie elsewhere in the volume.

Detailed Records · 1516–1529

These eighteen records open Volume III with several very different kinds of Guthrie evidence: witnesses and tenants, Kincaldrum marriage and property records, a northern feuferme grant, the emerging Kingany sequence, and references to Guthrie as an ecclesiastical or administrative place rather than a surname.

Two entries recovered during the Index Nominum reconciliation are included here for the first time: Charter 653 preserves Ninian Guthrie’s earlier tenure of Kingany, while Charter 845 incorporates Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum’s witness appearance by reference to Charter 844.

Confirmed 8 July 1516 · underlying charter 30 June 1516 Charter 86 · George Guthery as Witness RMS III · p. 18 · HathiTrust image 26
Guthrie Identified George Guthery
Role Witness
Setting Ogilvy / Gray / Hay transaction
Evidence Type Witness / Network

Document Focus

William Ogilvy of Strathern sold to Alexander Gray, burgess of Aberdeen, and Elizabeth Hay his spouse a third part of lands at Rothiebirsbane in Banffshire. George Guthery appears among the witnesses to the underlying charter.

Why This Record Matters

This is an early Volume III appearance of the Guthery spelling and establishes a George Guthrie active within an Ogilvy, Hay and Gray legal network in 1516.

Identity Caution

George is not territorially designated. Similarity to later George Guthrie witnesses does not by itself establish that they are the same man.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. III, charter 86, p. 18. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 30 October 1521 Charter 208 · Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum RMS III · p. 46 · HathiTrust image 54
Guthrie Identified Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum
Role Witness
Associated Family Hay, Earl of Erroll
Evidence Type Witness / Territorial

Document Focus

William Hay, Earl of Erroll, sold half of the lands of Inchesyray, together with fishing rights in the River Tay, to Edward Gray, chaplain. Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum appears among the witnesses.

Why This Record Matters

The territorial designation securely places Alexander at Kincaldrum and documents his participation in the Erroll legal network before the more genealogically informative Charters 246 and 250.

Source: RMS III, charter 208, p. 46. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 8 February 1521/22 Charter 219 · John Hay, Provost of Guthrie RMS III · pp. 48–49 · HathiTrust images 56–57
Person Identified Master John Hay
Style Provost / Prepositus of Guthrie
Guthrie Usage Place / office designation
Evidence Type Place / Ecclesiastical Context

Document Focus

William, Earl of Erroll, sold lands in the barony of Erroll to David Anderson. Among the witnesses is Master John Hay, Provost of Guthrie.

Why This Record Matters

This is evidence for Guthrie as an ecclesiastical or administrative designation. It helps document the institutional history associated with the Guthrie lands, even though no person surnamed Guthrie appears in the entry.

Classification Note

John Hay is not a Guthrie. The word Guthre belongs to his office or territorial designation and is therefore kept separate from personal Guthrie surname evidence.

Source: RMS III, charter 219, pp. 48–49. View published RMS image.

9 April 1522 Charter 228 · George Gothray at Gilmertoun RMS III · p. 50 · HathiTrust image 58
Guthrie Identified George Gothray
Role Occupant / tenant
Place Gilmertoun
Evidence Type Occupation / Local Presence

Document Focus

The Crown granted John Scrymgeour eight cottages of Gilmertoun and associated property. One of those cottages is explicitly described as occupied by George Gothray.

Why This Record Matters

Unlike the predominantly landed or witness records, this entry preserves a Guthrie as an ordinary occupier or tenant and contributes to the geographic distribution of the name.

Identity Caution

The Gothray spelling is indexed with the Guthrie variants, but this record does not establish that George was the same person as the George Guthrie appearing in other charters.

Source: RMS III, charter 228, p. 50. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 7 January 1523/24 · underlying charter 2 May 1523 Charter 246 · Alexander of Kincaldrum, George & James Guthrie RMS III · pp. 55–56 · HathiTrust images 63–64
Guthries Identified Alexander of Kincaldrum; George; James
Alexander’s Relationship Brother of James Rynd of Broxmouth
Role Witnesses
Evidence Type Family / Witness Network

Document Focus

James Rynd of Broxmouth sold a sixth part of the lands of Crago to Alexander Foulartoun and Elizabeth Gardin. Witnesses included Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum, described as brother of the said James Rynd, together with George Guthrie and James Guthrie.

Relationship evidence: Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum is expressly described as the brother of the grantor, James Rynd of Broxmouth.

Why This Record Matters

  • It gives a direct sibling relationship connecting Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum with James Rynd.
  • George and James Guthrie appear in the same witness group.
  • The record helps reconstruct the wider Kincaldrum, Rynd and Gardin family network.

Relationship Note

The charter states that Alexander and James Rynd were brothers. The exact nature of that sibling relationship within the reconstructed family should be derived from the wider evidence rather than expanded beyond the wording of this charter alone.

Source: RMS III, charter 246, pp. 55–56. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 18 January 1523/24 Charter 250 · Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum & Elizabeth Rait RMS III · pp. 56–57 · HathiTrust images 64–65
Husband Alexander Guthery of Kincaldrum
Wife Elizabeth Rait
Property Little Lour, Murtoun, Carret & Little Mathy interests
Evidence Type Marriage / Property / Succession

Document Focus

Following Alexander’s resignation, the Crown confirmed the lands of Little Lour, Murtoun, half of Carret and half of Little Mathy to Alexander Guthery of Kincaldrum and Elizabeth Rait his spouse.

They were to hold the lands in conjunct infeftment, with succession first to their lawful issue and, failing that, to Alexander’s lawful and nearer male heirs.

Why This Record Matters

  • It directly documents Alexander’s marriage to Elizabeth Rait.
  • It identifies substantial Kincaldrum-family landholdings.
  • The destination clause provides important succession evidence.

Source: RMS III, charter 250, pp. 56–57. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 29 April 1525 Charter 305 · James Guthrie in the Barony of Eassie RMS III · p. 69 · HathiTrust image 77
Guthrie Identified James Guthrie
Role Witness
Property Setting Easter Kelour, barony of Eassie
Evidence Type Witness / Local Network

Document Focus

John, Earl of Buchan and Lord of Ouchterhouse, sold half of Easter Kelour in the barony of Eassie to John Haldane and Elizabeth Gray. James Guthrie appears among the witnesses.

Identity Caution

The transaction lies within the barony of Eassie, but James is not styled “of Eassie.” Geographic context alone should not place him in the documented Eassie/Hiltoun family.

Source: RMS III, charter 305, p. 69. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 4 October 1526 · underlying charter 29 July 1526 Charter 377 · Ninian Guthrie as Witness RMS III · p. 84 · HathiTrust image 92
Guthrie Identified Ninian Guthrie
Role Witness
Associated Party James Rynd of Carse
Evidence Type Witness / Network

Document Focus

James Rynd of Carse sold a sixth part of Lumlethin to William Anderson and Margaret Oliphant. Ninian Guthrie appears among the witnesses to the underlying Dundee charter.

Why This Record Matters

The appearance predates the stronger territorial evidence identifying Ninian of Kingany and places a Ninian Guthrie within the Rynd-associated Forfarshire network by 1526.

Identity Caution

The charter itself does not style this Ninian “of Kingany.” Comparison with the later Kingany records is useful, but the territorial identity should not be supplied to this entry unless corroborated independently.

Source: RMS III, charter 377, p. 84. View published RMS image.

10 March 1526/27 Charter 428 · Thomas Guthrie in Ardmannach RMS III · p. 95 · HathiTrust image 103
Guthrie Identified Thomas Guthrie
Residence Within the lordship of Ardmannach
Property Lands of Dryne
Evidence Type Direct Feuferme Grant

Document Focus

The Crown granted in feuferme to Thomas Guthrie, dwelling within the lordship of Ardmannach, the lands of Dryne in Inverness-shire.

The destination favored Thomas’s male heirs, with provision for the senior female heir failing male succession, and required the customary annual feu duties and construction of a mansion house.

Why This Record Matters

This is direct landed evidence for a Guthrie in the Inverness area and demonstrates that the surname’s documented geographic reach in Volume III extends well beyond Angus and Forfarshire.

Genealogical Caution

The charter does not state Thomas’s ancestry. His northern residence should not be used to assign him automatically to one of the Angus Guthrie families.

Source: RMS III, charter 428, p. 95. View published RMS image.

1 April 1527 Charter 441 · John Hay, Provost of Guthrie RMS III · p. 99 · HathiTrust image 107
Person Identified Master John Hay
Style Provost / Prepositus of Guthrie
Context Land appreciation proceedings
Evidence Type Place / Ecclesiastical Context

Document Focus

Proceedings concerning Aberdeen lands include Master John Hay, Provost of Guthrie among the persons involved in the appreciation process.

Why This Record Matters

Together with Charter 219, this entry documents the continuing use of Guthrie as the designation of a provostship held by John Hay.

Classification Note

This is not a personal Guthrie surname occurrence.

Source: RMS III, charter 441, p. 99. View published RMS image.

5 September 1528 Charter 653 · Ninian Gutherye of Kingany · Earlier Tenure RMS III · Charter 653
Guthrie Identified Ninian Gutherye of Kingany
Role in Record Former holder
Property Kingany with the mill
Evidence Type Prior Tenure / Property

Document Focus

For William Wod of Bonyntoun’s good service, the Crown granted him and his heirs the lands of Kingany with the mill in the regality of Kirriemuir, Forfarshire.

The entry explains that the lands had formerly been held of Archibald, late Earl of Angus, by Ninian Gutherye of Kingany, and had then come to the King through the Earl’s forfeiture.

Key wording: “tente per Ninianum Gutherye de Kyngany” — held by Ninian Gutherye of Kingany.

Why This Record Matters

  • It explicitly styles Ninian of Kingany.
  • It proves that Ninian had held Kingany and its mill before the 1528 Crown grant to William Wod.
  • It gives essential context for Charter 832 in 1529, when Kingany was granted directly to Ninian after William Wod’s resignation.

Forfeiture Note

The wording states that Kingany came to the Crown through the forfeiture of Archibald, late Earl of Angus. It should not be rewritten as a forfeiture by Ninian Guthrie himself.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. III, charter 653, 5 September 1528. Open RMS Volume III.

Confirmed 8 September 1528 · underlying charter 24 August 1528 Charter 677 · Thomas Guthrie as Witness RMS III · pp. 148–149 · HathiTrust images 156–157
Guthrie Identified Thomas Guthrie
Role Witness
Associated Family Carncors of Balmaschennor
Evidence Type Witness / Network

Document Focus

James Carncors of Balmaschennor granted lands to his son and heir David Carncors, reserving liferent to himself and Egidia Arbuthnot his spouse. Thomas Guthrie appears among the witnesses.

Identity Caution

Thomas is not given a territorial designation, and Volume III contains several men named Thomas Guthrie. This witness appearance should therefore remain unidentified beyond what the record states.

Source: RMS III, charter 677, pp. 148–149. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 4 March 1528/29 · underlying charter 16 February 1528/29 Charter 758 · George Guthrie at Dundee RMS III · p. 164 · HathiTrust image 172
Guthrie Identified George Guthrie
Role Witness
Setting Panmure-area land sale
Evidence Type Witness / Dundee Network

Document Focus

Robert Maule of Panmure sold half of the sunny portion of Petlevy to Andrew Barry. George Guthrie witnessed the underlying charter at Dundee.

Identity Caution

The entry supplies no territorial designation. It should not automatically be merged with George Guthery in Charter 86 or George Gothray at Gilmertoun in Charter 228.

Source: RMS III, charter 758, p. 164. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 27 July 1529 · underlying charter 24 July 1529 Charter 811 · John Guthrie in the Kirriemuir Network RMS III · p. 177 · HathiTrust image 185
Guthrie Identified John Guthrie
Role Witness
Setting Quhitefeild, barony of Kirriemuir
Evidence Type Witness / Local Network

Document Focus

William Wod of Bonyntoun sold the lands of Quhitefeild to Walter Ogilvy and Elizabeth Scrymgeour. John Guthrie appears among the witnesses.

Identity Caution

Several John Guthries occur elsewhere in Volume III. This record provides no territorial designation sufficient to assign him to Balnabreich, Hiltoun, Colliston or another specific family.

Source: RMS III, charter 811, p. 177. View published RMS image.

2 September 1529 Charter 832 · Ninian Guthrie of Kingany & Katherine Moncreiff RMS III · p. 182 · HathiTrust image 190
Grantee Ninian Guthrie
Wife Katherine Moncreiff
Property Kingany with the mill
Evidence Type Marriage / Direct Property Grant

Document Focus

The King granted to Ninian Guthrie and his heirs the lands of Kingany with the mill in the regality of Kirriemuir.

Ninian’s wife, Katherine Moncreiff, was granted a liferent in one-fourth of the lands. William Wod of Bonyntoun had personally resigned the property.

Why This Record Matters

  • It directly documents Ninian’s possession of Kingany.
  • It explicitly identifies his wife Katherine Moncreiff.
  • Read with Charter 653, it reveals a property sequence: Ninian had held Kingany earlier, William Wod received it from the Crown in 1528, and Wod then resigned it for the 1529 grant to Ninian.

Source: RMS III, charter 832, p. 182. View published RMS image.

3 September 1529 Charter 834 · Thomas Dickson, Provost of Guthrie RMS III · pp. 182–183 · HathiTrust images 190–191
Person Identified Master Thomas Dickson
Style Provost / Prepositus of Guthrie
Role Land purchaser
Evidence Type Place / Ecclesiastical Context

Document Focus

Robert Douglas of Lochleven had sold to Master Thomas Dickson, Provost of Guthrie, lands in the barony of Errol and Strathearn.

Why This Record Matters

This continues the documentary history of the Guthrie provostship after the earlier appearances of John Hay.

Classification Note

Thomas Dickson is not a Guthrie by surname. The occurrence belongs to the history of Guthrie as a place and office.

Source: RMS III, charter 834, pp. 182–183. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 6 October 1529 · underlying charter 4 October 1529 Charter 844 · Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum RMS III · p. 185 · HathiTrust image 193
Guthrie Identified Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum
Role Witness
Setting Mar / Aberdeen land exchange
Evidence Type Witness / Territorial

Document Focus

John Vaus of Many granted William Wod of Bonyntoun the lands of Ruvennis and Balnastraid, with associated crofts, in exchange for fishing and superiority rights.

Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum appears explicitly among the witnesses to the underlying charter made at Edinburgh on 4 October 1529.

Why This Record Matters

It gives another secure territorial appearance for Alexander of Kincaldrum and is also the source of the incorporated witness list used by the immediately following Charter 845.

Source: RMS III, charter 844, p. 185. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 6 October 1529 · underlying charter 4 October 1529 Charter 845 · Alexander of Kincaldrum · Witnesses Incorporated from 844 RMS III · p. 185 · HathiTrust image 193
Guthrie Identified by Index Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum
Mechanism Witness list incorporated from Charter 844
Document Subject Half of fishing rights in the River Dee
Evidence Type Incorporated Witness

Document Focus

The King confirmed a charter by William Wod of Bonyntoun, made under a contract with John Vaus of Many, granting John Vaus and his heirs one-half of the fishing rights in the River Dee.

Instead of repeating the names of the witnesses, Charter 845 states: “TEST. ut in carta 844” — witnesses as in Charter 844.

Why Alexander is indexed here: Charter 844 explicitly names Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum among its witnesses. Charter 845 adopts that witness group by direct reference.

Why This Record Matters

  • It explains an otherwise puzzling Index Nominum reference to Alexander at no. 845.
  • It demonstrates that an index reference can be valid even where a person’s name is not reprinted inside the individual RMS entry.
  • It helps distinguish incorporated documentary evidence from an editorial identification based only on inference.

Reading the Entry Correctly

Alexander’s name is not physically repeated in Charter 845. His presence derives from the explicit adoption of the witness list in Charter 844. The entry should therefore be described as an incorporated witness reference, not as a newly printed witness clause.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. III, charter 845, p. 185; witness clause incorporated from charter 844. View published RMS image.

Volume III continues with the records of 1530–1535, beginning with Master John Guthrie, arts professor and notary public, in Charter 926.

Detailed Records · 1530–1535

These twenty entries are among the most genealogically diverse records in Volume III. They document a professional notary, Alexander Guthrie alias Falkland Pursuivant in repeated royal service, the Kirkbuddo father-and-son succession, Grandoun, Kincaldrum, Kinblathmont, Eassie and the Guthries of that Ilk.

The sequence also includes Charter 1345, omitted from the former summary table, and Charter 1489, recovered through the Index Nominum review. The latter preserves an important Guthrie appearance from an underlying charter dated 1486.

Confirmed 29 March 1530 · underlying charter 26 March 1530 Charter 926 · Master John Guthrie, Notary Public RMS III · p. 202 · HathiTrust image 210
Guthrie Identified Master John Guthrie
Professional Style Arts professor and notary public
Role Witness
Evidence Type Professional / Witness

Document Focus

David Ogilvy confirmed a liferent grant to Margaret Monypenny involving lands within the barony of Ogilvy. Master John Guthrie, styled an arts professor and notary public, appears among the witnesses.

Why This Record Matters

The professional description distinguishes this John Guthrie from the several landed or otherwise unidentified Johns appearing elsewhere in the volume.

Source: RMS III, charter 926, p. 202. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 1 October 1531 · underlying charter 20 September 1531 Charter 1075 · Master John Guthrie, Notary Public RMS III · p. 235 · HathiTrust image 243
Guthrie Identified Master John Guthrie
Role Notary public; witness
Setting Annualrent transaction
Evidence Type Professional / Witness

Document Focus

William Bonar of Rossie sold an annualrent to Master Gilbert Strathaughin. Master John Guthrie, notary public, appears among the witnesses.

Why This Record Matters

It reinforces the continuing professional career of the notary documented in Charter 926.

Source: RMS III, charter 1075, p. 235. View published RMS image.

8 November 1531 Charter 1087 · Guthries in the David Gardin Compensation Proceedings RMS III · p. 238 · HathiTrust image 246
Guthries Identified William; Alexander; Egidia and her children
Alexander’s Style Falkland Pursuivant; sheriff in that part
Egidia Widow of David Gardin of Blaktillo
Evidence Type Family / Legal Proceeding

Document Focus

Proceedings against James Rynd of Carse involved the appreciation and sale of lands as part of compensation arising from the killing of David Gardin of Blaktillo.

William Guthrie acted as procurator; Alexander Guthrie alias Falkland Pursuivant acted as sheriff in that part; and Egidia Guthrie, widow of David Gardin, appears with her children as parties to the compensation.

Why This Record Matters

This is one of the richest Guthrie legal records in the volume, preserving professional roles, a widow and her children, and the family’s participation in a complex compensation proceeding.

Research Caution

The several abbreviated Guthrie names among Egidia’s children should be transcribed and interpreted from the record itself rather than assigned automatically to other same-named Guthries in the volume.

Source: RMS III, charter 1087, p. 238. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 6 January 1531/32 · underlying charter 16 December 1531 Charter 1104 · James Guthrie, Rector of Kirkbuddo, & Son John RMS III · p. 241 · HathiTrust image 249
Father Master James Guthrie, rector of Kirkbuddo
Son John Guthrie
Remainder William, son of the late David Guthrie
Evidence Type Family / Feuferme / Succession

Document Focus

William Dempster of Carraldston granted in feuferme to Master James Guthrie, rector of Kirkbuddo, in liferent, and to John Guthrie his son heritably, the lands of Easter and Wester Petmowis, Ailhoushill, and the associated mill and multures in the barony of Kirriemuir.

Failing John’s lawful male heirs, the destination passed to William, son of the late David Guthrie.

Why This Record Matters

  • It explicitly establishes James → John as father and son.
  • It preserves a secondary remainder to William, son of a deceased David Guthrie.
  • It combines clerical identity with landed and succession evidence.

Source: RMS III, charter 1104, p. 241. View published RMS image.

12 June 1532 Charter 1181 · Alexander Guthrie alias Falkland Pursuivant RMS III · p. 257 · HathiTrust image 265
Guthrie Identified Alexander Guthrie
Office Falkland Pursuivant
Role Sheriff / appreciator
Evidence Type Royal Office / Legal

Document Focus

In proceedings concerning lands in Aberdeenshire, Alexander Guthrie alias Falkland Pursuivant acted as sheriff in that part and conducted an appreciation connected with his sheriff’s fee.

Why This Record Matters

It directly names Alexander and his heraldic office and helps establish the recurring official career later seen in 1182, 1247, 1338 and 1711.

Source: RMS III, charter 1181, p. 257. View published RMS image.

12 June 1532 Charter 1182 · Alexander Guthrie as Sheriff / Appreciator RMS III · pp. 257–258 · HathiTrust images 265–266
Guthrie Identified Alexander Guthrie
Style Falkland Pursuivant
Role Sheriff / appreciator
Evidence Type Royal Office / Legal

Document Focus

A second grant to Andrew Fraser records an appreciation carried out by Alexander Guthrie alias Falkland Pursuivant, again acting as sheriff in that part.

Why This Record Matters

Together with no. 1181, it demonstrates that Alexander’s role was not a single incidental appearance but part of a recurring official function.

Source: RMS III, charter 1182, pp. 257–258. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 28 July 1532 · underlying charter 14 June 1530 Charter 1201 · Alexander Guthrie in Grandoun & Elizabeth Hay RMS III · p. 262 · HathiTrust image 270
Husband Alexander Guthrie in Grandoun
Wife Elizabeth Hay
Property Lands of Grandoun
Evidence Type Marriage / Property

Document Focus

James Gordon of Midmar and Jonet Leith sold the lands of Grandoun to Alexander Guthrie in Grandoun and Elizabeth Hay his spouse, with conjunct infeftment and succession provisions.

Why This Record Matters

It directly identifies the couple, their landed interest in Grandoun, and the succession destination attached to the grant.

Source: RMS III, charter 1201, p. 262. View published RMS image.

18 December 1532 Charter 1247 · Land Grant to Alexander Guthrie alias Falkland Pursuivant RMS III · pp. 272–273 · HathiTrust images 280–281
Grantee Alexander Guthrie alias Falkland Pursuivant
Property Lands of Bacharis
Origin of Grant Sheriff fee from appreciation proceedings
Evidence Type Direct Land Grant

Document Focus

The King granted Alexander and his heirs and assigns lands at Bacharis in the barony of Kinedward, arising from appreciation proceedings concerning John Lord Forbes.

Connection to Charter 1237: no. 1237 records the appraisal before the unnamed Falkland signifer; no. 1247 explicitly identifies that officer as Alexander Guthrie alias Falkland Pursuivant.

Why This Record Matters

It is a direct grant to Alexander rather than merely an office reference and confirms the identity behind the bracketed index reference to Charter 1237.

Source: RMS III, charter 1247, pp. 272–273. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 24 December 1532 · underlying charter 11 December 1532 Charter 1249 · Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum RMS III · p. 273 · HathiTrust image 281
Guthrie Identified Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum
Role Witness
Associated Party James Rynd of Carse
Evidence Type Witness / Territorial

Document Focus

David, Earl of Crawford, sold lands to James Rynd of Carse. Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum witnessed the underlying charter.

Why This Record Matters

It continues the documented Kincaldrum–Rynd association already made explicit in Charter 246.

Source: RMS III, charter 1249, p. 273. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 24 December 1532 · underlying charter 19 December 1532 Charter 1250 · Thomas Guthrie with James Rynd of Carse RMS III · p. 273 · HathiTrust image 281
Guthrie Identified Thomas Guthrie
Role Witness
Associated Witness James Rynd of Carse
Evidence Type Witness / Network

Document Focus

Thomas Guthrie and James Rynd of Carse appear together among the witnesses to a Crawford/Lindsay transaction concerning Quhilcheoch.

Identity Caution

Thomas is not territorially designated. His association with James Rynd is relevant but does not by itself prove that he is the Thomas later identified as Alexander of Kincaldrum’s brother.

Source: RMS III, charter 1250, p. 273. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 29 March 1533 · underlying charter 27 March 1533 Charter 1274 · Alexander Guthrie of Kinblathmont RMS III · p. 278 · HathiTrust image 286
Guthrie Identified Alexander Guthrie of Kinblathmont
Role Witness
Setting Panmure transaction
Evidence Type Witness / Territorial

Document Focus

Robert Maule of Panmure sold lands and related rights to Elizabeth Betoun. Alexander Guthrie of Kinblathmont appears among the witnesses.

Why This Record Matters

It securely documents Alexander under the Kinblathmont territorial designation in 1533.

Source: RMS III, charter 1274, p. 278. View published RMS image.

28 November 1533 Charter 1326 · Andrew Guthrie of that Ilk on Assize RMS III · pp. 290–291 · HathiTrust images 298–299
Guthrie Identified Andrew Guthrie of that Ilk
Role Assize member
Context Crawford estate appreciation
Evidence Type Assize / Status

Document Focus

Andrew Guthrie of that Ilk served on an assize connected with a complex Crown grant and appreciation of former Crawford lands.

Why This Record Matters

His inclusion among local landholders and notables helps establish Andrew’s status before the major barony confirmation of Charter 1932.

Source: RMS III, charter 1326, pp. 290–291. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 30 December 1533 · underlying charter 16 December 1531 Charter 1331 · Confirmation of the Kirkbuddo Guthrie Grant RMS III · p. 292 · HathiTrust image 300
Father Master James Guthrie, rector of Kirkbuddo
Son John Guthrie
Remainder William, son of late David Guthrie
Evidence Type Family / Feuferme / Succession

Document Focus

The Crown confirmed the same Kirriemuir feuferme structure represented in Charter 1104: James in liferent, John his son heritably, and a remainder to William son of the late David Guthrie.

Why This Record Matters

It independently reinforces the explicit family and succession arrangement preserved in Charter 1104.

Source: RMS III, charter 1331, p. 292. View published RMS image.

7 January 1533/34 Charter 1338 · Falkland Pursuivant Sheriff’s Fee RMS III · p. 294 · HathiTrust image 302
Guthrie Identified Alexander Guthrie
Style Falkland Pursuivant
Context Sheriff fee in appreciation proceedings
Evidence Type Royal Office / Legal

Document Focus

The entry records part of the land appreciation as being connected with the fee of Alexander Guthrie alias Falkland Pursuivant, sheriff in that part.

Why This Record Matters

It extends Alexander’s documented official activity into 1533/34 and fits the recurring sequence of sheriff and appreciation work.

Source: RMS III, charter 1338, p. 294. View published RMS image.

4 February 1533/34 Charter 1345 · Guthrie of that Ilk · Ancient Feuferme Obligation RMS III · p. 296 · HathiTrust image 304
Guthrie Reference Guthrie of that Ilk
Context Brechin and Navar lordship
Feuferme £18 13s. 4d.
Evidence Type Historic Tenure / Feu Duty

Document Focus

A major Crown grant of Brechin and Navar to Thomas Erskine preserves earlier feu duties attached to the lordship. Among them is a payment by Guthrie of that Ilk of £18 13s. 4d., described as existing from antiquity.

Why This Record Matters

Although it does not name the individual laird, it records a longstanding economic and tenurial obligation associated with the chief Guthrie line and the Brechin/Navar lordship.

Identity Note

The entry says Guthrie of that Ilk rather than naming the holder. The obligation should therefore be attributed to the territorial office or estate holder at the relevant time, not automatically to a named individual.

Source: RMS III, charter 1345, p. 296. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 24 May 1534 Charter 1386 · David Guthrie of Eassie & the Lands of Hiltoun of Guthrie RMS III · pp. 305–306 · HathiTrust images 313–314
Guthrie Identified David Guthrie of Eassie
Property Hiltoun of Guthrie; Eastertoun of Guthrie
David’s Status Heritable possessor of the lands
Evidence Type Territorial / Possession

Document Focus

The confirmation concerns three quarters of Hiltoun of Guthrie and one quarter of Eastertoun of Guthrie, earlier granted to John Russell.

The entry then identifies David Guthrie of Eassie as the hereditary possessor of the lands.

Why This Record Matters

  • It explicitly links David Guthrie of Eassie with possession of Hiltoun lands.
  • It is central to the documentary Eassie–Hiltoun sequence.
  • It demonstrates why superiority, grant history and actual hereditary possession must be distinguished.

Place & Person Distinction

“John Russell of Guthrie” is not a Guthrie surname reference. The personal Guthrie evidence in this entry is David Guthrie of Eassie.

Source: RMS III, charter 1386, pp. 305–306. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 20 July 1534 · underlying charter 18 July 1534 Charter 1401 · Master John Guthrie, Notary Public RMS III · p. 309 · HathiTrust image 317
Guthrie Identified Master John Guthrie
Role Notary public; witness
Setting Thornton liferent grant
Evidence Type Professional / Witness

Document Focus

Master John Guthrie, notary public, witnessed a liferent grant concerning one-third of the lands of Thornton.

Why This Record Matters

It extends the documented professional chronology of the notary seen in Charters 926 and 1075.

Source: RMS III, charter 1401, p. 309. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 28 September 1534 · underlying charter 25 August 1534 Charter 1417 · Alexander of Kincaldrum & Thomas Guthrie RMS III · p. 314 · HathiTrust image 322
Guthries Identified Alexander of Kincaldrum; Thomas Guthrie
Role Witnesses
Charter Location Kincaldrum
Evidence Type Witness / Local Network

Document Focus

Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum and Thomas Guthrie witnessed a Langlands grant executed at Kincaldrum.

Relationship Caution

Their joint appearance is significant, but this charter does not itself call Thomas Alexander’s brother. That relationship is stated directly later in Charter 2085.

Source: RMS III, charter 1417, p. 314. View published RMS image.

14 April 1535 Charter 1465 · Four Territorial Guthries on Assize RMS III · pp. 323–324 · HathiTrust images 331–332
Eassie David Guthrie
Kinblathmont Alexander Guthrie
That Ilk / Lunan Andrew Guthrie; Hercules Guthrie
Evidence Type Multi-Branch Assize

Document Focus

An assize connected with former Crawford lands included: David Guthrie of Eassie, Alexander Guthrie of Kinblathmont, Andrew Guthrie of that Ilk, and Hercules Guthrie of Lunan.

Why This Record Matters

It is an unusually useful snapshot of four separately styled Guthrie territorial identities participating together in a high-level Forfarshire legal proceeding.

Evidence Principle

Their appearance together demonstrates status and regional association. It does not by itself define the genealogical relationship among the four men.

Source: RMS III, charter 1465, pp. 323–324. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 12 July 1535 · underlying charter 9 July 1486 Charter 1489 · Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk in an Earlier Charter RMS III · p. 331 · HathiTrust image 339
Guthrie Identified Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk
Role Witness
Actual Guthrie Date 9 July 1486
Evidence Type Embedded Earlier Witness

Document Focus

The 1535 royal confirmation preserves an earlier charter of David, Earl of Crawford, granting half of the lands of Murhouse in the barony of Inverarity to Thomas Fothringham of Powrie.

Among the witnesses to that earlier charter, executed at Dundee on 9 July 1486, is “Alex. Guthre de eodem” — Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk.

Why This Record Matters

  • It preserves a secure territorial style for Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk.
  • The Guthrie evidence dates to 1486, not 1535.
  • It extends the documentary chronology backward into the reign of James III.

Genealogical Caution

The territorial designation is explicit, but the charter does not supply parentage or a generation number. Identification with a particular numbered Alexander in a later pedigree should therefore rest upon the wider documentary succession.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. III, charter 1489, p. 331. Royal confirmation at Stirling, 12 July 1535; underlying charter at Dundee, 9 July 1486. View published RMS image.

Volume III continues with the records of 1536–1540, beginning with Alexander Guthrie of Grandoun and Elizabeth Hay in Charter 1638.

Detailed Records · 1536–1540

These ten records contain some of the strongest evidence in Volume III for distinguishing separate Guthrie families. They document the disposal of Grandoun, continued activity by Alexander Guthrie alias Falkland Pursuivant, Halkertoun, Kincaldrum, Eassie, Inverpeffer, Kingany, Balnabreich and the chief line of Guthrie.

Charter 2085 is especially valuable because it explicitly calls Thomas Guthrie the brother german of Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum, while Charter 1932 records the formal re-incorporation of the lands of Guthrie into a free barony for Andrew Guthrie of that Ilk.

Confirmed 18 December 1536 · underlying charter 25 November 1536 Charter 1638 · Alexander Guthrie of Grandoun & Elizabeth Hay RMS III · p. 364 · HathiTrust image 372
Husband Alexander Guthrie of Grandoun
Wife Elizabeth Hay
Property Lands of Grandoun
Evidence Type Marriage / Property

Document Focus

Alexander Guthrie of Grandoun and Elizabeth Hay his spouse sold the lands of Grandoun to Master Laurence Chene and Margaret Troup his spouse.

The lands extended annually to six merks, with the quarry called the Carne of Blakfald and an adjacent half-acre excepted from the sale.

Why This Record Matters

  • It reconfirms the marriage of Alexander Guthrie and Elizabeth Hay.
  • It proves that the couple possessed Grandoun before disposing of it in 1536.
  • Read with Charter 1201, it documents both acquisition and later alienation of the same estate.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. III, charter 1638, p. 364. View published RMS image.

31 August 1537 Charter 1711 · Falkland Pursuivant in Banffshire Proceedings RMS III · p. 380 · HathiTrust image 388
Guthrie Identified Alexander Guthrie
Style Falkland Pursuivant
Role Sheriff in that part
Evidence Type Royal Office / Legal

Document Focus

A Crown grant to Walter Ogilvy of Boyne records appreciation and sale proceedings involving lands in Banffshire. Part of the valuation included fees due to Alexander Guthrie alias Falkland Pursuivant, acting as sheriff in that part.

Why This Record Matters

It extends Alexander’s documented official career into 1537 and shows that his sheriff/appreciator role operated across northern land proceedings as well as those preserved in the earlier 1532–1534 entries.

Source: RMS III, charter 1711, p. 380. View published RMS image.

10 November 1537 Charter 1723 · Guthrie of that Ilk, John Guthrie & Halkertoun RMS III · p. 383 · HathiTrust image 391
Chief Line Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk
Halkertoun Alexander Guthrie of Halkertoun
Additional Guthrie John Guthrie
Evidence Type Multi-Guthrie Assize

Document Focus

A land appreciation associated with John Campbell of Lundie included on its assize Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk, John Guthrie, and Alexander Guthrie of Halkertoun.

Why This Record Matters

The charter documents the simultaneous presence of the chief-line Alexander and a separately designated Alexander of Halkertoun, making clear that these are distinct territorial identities within the same legal network.

Identity Caution

The unidentified John Guthrie should not be assigned to either family solely because he appears with the two Alexanders.

Source: RMS III, charter 1723, p. 383. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 10 September 1538 · underlying charter 3 September 1538 Charter 1835 · Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum RMS III · p. 408 · HathiTrust image 416
Guthrie Identified Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum
Role Witness
Associated Person James Rynd of Carse
Evidence Type Witness / Territorial

Document Focus

David, Earl of Crawford, sold an annualrent from the customs of Dundee and other lands to Isobel Liddell and Patrick Hepburn. Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum and James Rynd of Carse appear among the witnesses.

Why This Record Matters

It continues the recurring documentary association between Alexander of Kincaldrum and James Rynd within Crawford and Dundee legal networks.

Source: RMS III, charter 1835, p. 408. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 3 November 1538 · underlying charter 7 March 1537 Charter 1857 · Alexander Guthrie of Halkertoun RMS III · p. 413 · HathiTrust image 421
Guthrie Identified Alexander Guthrie of Halkertoun
Role Witness
Associated Family Rynd of Carse
Evidence Type Witness / Territorial

Document Focus

James Rynd of Carse sold a sixth part of Lumlethin to John Ker, vicar of Chirnside, in liferent and to William Ker in fee. Alexander Guthrie of Halkertoun witnessed the underlying charter.

Why This Record Matters

It provides another securely dated Halkertoun territorial appearance and places Alexander within the same extended Rynd-associated network seen elsewhere in Volume III.

Source: RMS III, charter 1857, p. 413. View published RMS image.

25 February 1538/39 Charter 1916 · Eassie, Inverpeffer, Kingany & Balnabreich RMS III · p. 427 · HathiTrust image 435
Eassie David Guthrie of Eassie
Inverpeffer David Guthrie in Inverpeffer
Kingany / Balnabreich Ninian Guthrie; John Guthrie
Evidence Type Multi-Branch Assize

Document Focus

A major appreciation proceeding involving lands at Bryantoun and Rynd included on its assize: David Guthrie of Eassie, David Guthrie in Inverpeffer, Ninian Guthrie of Kingany, and John Guthrie of Balnabreich.

Why This Record Matters

  • Four Guthries are differentiated by territorial or locational style within one record.
  • It securely documents John under the Balnabreich designation.
  • It distinguishes two contemporary Davids: one of Eassie and another in Inverpeffer.

Evidence Principle

Their joint service on an assize establishes regional standing and association, not a specific genealogical relationship among them.

Source: RMS III, charter 1916, p. 427. View published RMS image.

9 March 1538/39 Charter 1932 · Andrew Guthrie of that Ilk · Free Barony of Guthrie RMS III · p. 432 · HathiTrust image 440
Grantee Andrew Guthrie of that Ilk
Property Lands and barony of Guthrie
Legal Action Resignation and Crown regrant
Evidence Type Barony / Direct Crown Grant

Document Focus

Following Andrew’s resignation, the Crown confirmed to Andrew Guthrie of that Ilk and his heirs and assigns the lands and barony of Guthrie, including the tower, fortalice, manor, mills, fishings, tenants and ecclesiastical patronage associated with the estate.

The lands were newly incorporated into the free barony of Guthrie, to be held for an annual payment of one silver penny in white ferme.

Why This Record Matters

  • It directly names Andrew Guthrie of that Ilk as holder of the central Guthrie estate.
  • It defines the composition of the barony and its associated rights.
  • It is fundamental evidence for the chief line immediately before the later succession grant to Andrew’s son Alexander in Charter 2998.

Citation Note

The relevant RMS number is Charter 1932. HathiTrust image 440 is the digitized image number, not the charter number.

Source: RMS III, charter 1932, p. 432. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 2 December 1539 · underlying charter 4 November 1539 Charter 2043 · Alexander Guthrie in Ross RMS III · p. 459 · HathiTrust image 467
Guthrie Identified Alexander Guthrie
Role Witness
Region Ross / Inverness
Evidence Type Northern Witness

Document Focus

William McCulloch of Plaids sold lands at Pitnele and Ballecuthe in the earldom of Ross to William Dunoon of Pitogarty. Alexander Guthrie witnessed the underlying charter at Ferne on 4 November 1539.

Why This Record Matters

The record provides another northern occurrence of the Guthrie surname and broadens the geographic evidence beyond the concentration in Angus and Forfarshire.

Identity Caution

No territorial designation accompanies Alexander’s name. The northern setting does not prove that he belongs to the same family as Thomas Guthrie of Ardmannach or any of the territorially identified Angus Alexanders.

Source: RMS III, charter 2043, p. 459. View published RMS image.

8 January 1539/40 Charter 2064 · John Guthrie as Procurator RMS III · pp. 462–463 · HathiTrust images 470–471
Guthrie Identified John Guthrie
Role Procurator
Transaction Resignation connected with Sanquhar-Hamilton
Evidence Type Legal / Administrative

Document Focus

A major Crown confirmation to William Hamilton of Sanquhar followed formal resignations of extensive lands. John Guthrie is named among the procurators involved in the resignation instruments.

Why This Record Matters

The entry documents a Guthrie acting in a formal legal or representative capacity rather than simply as a witness.

Identity Caution

John is not territorially styled. He should therefore not automatically be identified with John of Balnabreich, Colliston or another contemporary John Guthrie.

Source: RMS III, charter 2064, pp. 462–463. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 10 February 1539/40 · underlying charter 29 January 1539/40 Charter 2085 · Alexander & Thomas Guthrie of Kincaldrum RMS III · p. 468 · HathiTrust image 476
Grantor Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum
Recipient Thomas Guthrie
Relationship Brother german of Alexander
Evidence Type Sibling / Property

Document Focus

Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum sold to his brother german Thomas Guthrie and Thomas’s heirs and assigns the lands of Carret in the barony of Kincaldrum.

In warrandice of the transfer, Alexander also granted Thomas a quarter of the western part of Kincaldrum.

Relationship wording: Thomas is explicitly Alexander’s brother german — a full brother sharing both parents.

Why This Record Matters

  • It provides direct sibling evidence for Alexander and Thomas Guthrie.
  • It documents an intra-family transfer of Kincaldrum lands.
  • Witnesses include Alexander Guthrie of Halkertoun, George Guthrie, John Guthrie and Hugh Guthrie.
  • The record is one of the strongest documentary snapshots of the wider Guthrie network in Volume III.

Family-Cluster Caution

Alexander and Thomas are explicitly brothers. The presence of George, John, Hugh and Alexander of Halkertoun among the witnesses does not by itself establish their precise relationship to the brothers.

Source: RMS III, charter 2085, p. 468; underlying charter at Kincaldrum, 29 January 1539/40. View published RMS image.

Volume III continues with the records of 1541–1545, beginning with the Brechin and Balnabreich tenure reference in Charter 2320.

Detailed Records · 1541–1545

The final thirteen expanded records span the closing years of James V’s reign and the opening minority of Mary, Queen of Scots. They include tenant and occupier evidence, a direct Colliston-area land grant, explicit Kinblathmont parentage, continued Kingany activity, the succession of the principal Guthrie barony, and several multi-branch legal and witness networks.

These entries also illustrate why territorial wording must be read literally: a Guthrie may be styled of a place, in a place, or merely appear in a transaction concerning that place. Those descriptions are not interchangeable.

26 March 1541 Charter 2320 · John Guthrie · Former Brechin Feuferme Tenant RMS III · pp. 530–531 · HathiTrust images 538–539
Guthrie Identified John Guthrie
Role Former feuferme tenant / holder
Context Brechin and Navar
Evidence Type Tenure / Fiscal

Document Focus

A Crown grant in feuferme to Thomas Erskine of Brechin incorporated the lands and lordship of Brechin and Navar and recorded associated rents and deductions.

Within that rental material, John Guthrie is identified as a former tenant or holder of feuferme.

Why This Record Matters

It documents a John Guthrie within the economic and tenurial structure of the Brechin lordship in 1541.

Territorial Caution

The entry does not style this man “John Guthrie of Balnabreich.” Balnabreich appears within the wider Brechin rental context. The explicit territorial style John Guthrie of Balnabreich occurs in Charter 1916.

Source: RMS III, charter 2320, pp. 530–531. View published RMS image.

RMS entry dated 15 April 1541 Charter 2330 · James Guthrie & Another Guthrie at Skryne RMS III · p. 533 · HathiTrust image 541
Named Guthrie James Guthrie
Additional Reference Another Guthrie, unnamed
Property Skryne, Panmure
Evidence Type Occupiers / Tenants

Document Focus

A Panmure transaction concerning half of the lands of Skryne, its mill, fishings and port identifies James Guthrie and another person recorded simply as Guthrie among the occupiers.

Why This Record Matters

The entry preserves Guthries at the tenant or occupier level rather than as proprietors and provides useful evidence for local settlement around Panmure and Skryne.

Date Note

The existing transcription gives the RMS entry as 15 April 1541 but dates the underlying charter at St Andrews to 28 April 1541, which would place the underlying instrument after the stated confirmation date. The underlying date therefore requires direct image rechecking and is not normalized here.

Source: RMS III, charter 2330, p. 533. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 16 December 1541 · underlying charter 29 April 1541 Charter 2523 · James Guthrie & Margaret Fauld at Skryne RMS III · p. 579 · HathiTrust image 587
Husband James Guthrie
Wife Margaret Fauld
Property Context Quarter of Skryne
Evidence Type Marriage / Occupation

Document Focus

Thomas Maule, son and apparent heir of Robert Maule of Panmure, sold a quarter of the lands of Skryne to William Carmichael.

Part of the property was occupied by Margaret Fauld, spouse of James Guthrie, together with Thomas Fauld.

Why This Record Matters

  • It explicitly identifies James Guthrie’s wife as Margaret Fauld.
  • It adds a family relationship to the earlier Skryne occupier evidence.
  • It provides a useful local household connection without implying ownership of the estate.

Source: RMS III, charter 2523, p. 579; underlying charter at Dundee, 29 April 1541. View published RMS image.

10 January 1542 Charter 2577 · John Guthrie in Colliston · Direct Crown Grant RMS III · p. 592 · HathiTrust image 600
Grantee John Guthrie in Colliston
Property One-third of Cukistoun
Lordship Brechin
Evidence Type Direct Crown Grant

Document Focus

For good service, the King granted and quitclaimed to John Guthrie in Colliston and his heirs and assigns a third part of the lands and town of Cukistoun in the lordship of Brechin.

The property had been resigned by David Balfour and was to be held for one silver penny annually in white ferme.

Why This Record Matters

This is a direct Crown grant to a man explicitly described as in Colliston, making it important evidence for Guthrie presence there before the later Colliston documentary sequence.

Territorial Wording

The record says “John Guthrie in Colliston”, not “John Guthrie of Colliston.” Residence or location and formal territorial ownership should remain distinct.

Source: RMS III, charter 2577, p. 592. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 8 August 1542 · underlying charter 22 April 1540 Charter 2746 · Thomas Guthrie · Son of Alexander of Kinblathmont RMS III · pp. 635–636 · HathiTrust images 643–644
Son Thomas Guthrie
Father Alexander Guthrie of Kinblathmont
Exact Wording One of Alexander’s sons
Evidence Type Explicit Parentage

Document Focus

The prioress and convent of Elcho granted lands in feuferme to Alexander Dundas of Fingask and Elizabeth Bruce.

Among the witnesses is Thomas Guthrie, one of the sons of Alexander Guthrie of Kinblathmont.

Key genealogical wording: uno filiorum Alexandri Guthre de Kynblathmoth — one of the sons of Alexander Guthrie of Kinblathmont.

Why This Record Matters

  • It gives direct father-to-son evidence.
  • The plural wording proves that Alexander had more than one son.
  • It does not identify Thomas as the eldest son.

What the Charter Does Not Say

The entry does not identify Thomas’s mother, birth order, or the names of Alexander’s other sons.

Source: RMS III, charter 2746, pp. 635–636; underlying Elcho charter, 22 April 1540. View published RMS image.

31 October 1543 Charter 2967 · Ninian Guthrie of Kingany on Assize RMS III · p. 695 · HathiTrust image 703
Guthrie Identified Ninian Guthrie of Kingany
Role Assize member
Region Forfarshire
Evidence Type Assize / Territorial

Document Focus

A Crown grant to Peter Ramsay, burgess of Dundee, followed appreciation proceedings concerning lands in the forest of Platane. Ninian Guthrie of Kingany served on the assize.

Why This Record Matters

It provides a late securely styled appearance of Ninian of Kingany and demonstrates his continued standing in Forfarshire legal affairs into 1543.

Source: RMS III, charter 2967, p. 695. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 9 December 1543 · underlying charter 8 September 1543 Charter 2973 · Alexander Guthrie at Aberdeen RMS III · p. 696 · HathiTrust image 704
Guthrie Identified Alexander Guthrie
Role Witness
Setting Aberdeen ecclesiastical land grant
Evidence Type Witness / Northern

Document Focus

The Dean and Chapter of Aberdeen granted lands including Deynstoun, Carnfeild and Dilspro in feuferme to Andrew Hervy of Bwyndis. Alexander Guthrie witnessed the underlying charter at Aberdeen.

Identity Caution

Alexander is not given a territorial style. The Aberdeen setting is useful geographic evidence but does not identify him with Grandoun, Kincaldrum, Kinblathmont, Halkertoun, the chief line or another Alexander.

Source: RMS III, charter 2973, p. 696. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 5 February 1543/44 · underlying charter 30 November 1543 Charter 2989 · Alexander Guthrie at Dundee RMS III · pp. 700–701 · HathiTrust images 708–709
Guthrie Identified Alexander Guthrie
Role Witness
Property Petforky, lordship of Brechin
Evidence Type Witness / Dundee Network

Document Focus

Thomas Cullace of Troston sold a quarter of the lands of Petforky to Alexander Black, burgess of Dundee, and Janet Bonar his spouse. Alexander Guthrie witnessed the underlying charter at Dundee.

Identity Caution

No territorial designation is supplied. This Alexander should remain unassigned unless another source establishes his identity.

Source: RMS III, charter 2989, pp. 700–701. View published RMS image.

13 March 1543/44 Charter 2998 · Alexander Guthrie · Son & Heir of Andrew of that Ilk RMS III · p. 703 · HathiTrust image 711
Father Andrew Guthrie of that Ilk
Son Alexander Guthrie
Son’s Status Son and apparent heir
Evidence Type Father / Son / Barony Succession

Document Focus

Following Andrew’s resignation, the Queen granted to Alexander Guthrie, son and apparent heir of Andrew Guthrie of that Ilk, the lands and barony of Guthrie with its castle, fortalice, mill, tenants and ecclesiastical patronage.

Andrew retained his liferent, and provision was made for the reasonable terce due to his spouse.

Why This Record Matters

  • It explicitly establishes Andrew → Alexander as father and son.
  • It identifies Alexander as Andrew’s apparent heir.
  • It provides direct documentary evidence for succession to the principal barony.
  • Read with Charter 1932, it shows the transition from Andrew’s re-incorporated barony to his son’s formal succession grant.

Source: RMS III, charter 2998, p. 703. View published RMS image.

19 April 1544 Charter 3009 · Guthrie of Hiltoun & Guthrie of Kingany RMS III · pp. 705–706 · HathiTrust images 713–714
Territorial Reference Guthrie of Hiltoun
Territorial Reference Guthrie of Kingany
Context Penalties / fines
Evidence Type Territorial / Legal Context

Document Focus

Proceedings arising from regional conflict and the siege of Dundee list penalties associated with several individuals, including Guthrie of Hiltoun and Guthrie of Kingany.

Why This Record Matters

The entry proves the continued use of the Hiltoun and Kingany territorial designations in 1544. The printed Index Nominum associates the Kingany reference with Ninian Guthrie.

Historical Caution

The charter places the territorial holders within a list of fines or penalties. It should not be expanded into a claim about the precise actions of either Guthrie unless the proceedings themselves specify them.

Source: RMS III, charter 3009, pp. 705–706. View published RMS image.

21 April 1545 · proceedings reach back to 1516 Charter 3086 · Halkertoun Heir & Multi-Guthrie Assize RMS III · pp. 723–724 · HathiTrust images 731–732
Halkertoun Alexander Guthrie
Chief Line Andrew Guthrie of that Ilk
Others Alexander in Kinblathmont; David in Inverpeffer
Evidence Type Heirship / Multi-Branch Legal Record

Document Focus

Proceedings arising from an earlier decree identify Alexander Guthrie of Halkertoun as heir of the late Alexander Guthrie.

The associated assize included Andrew Guthrie of that Ilk, Alexander Guthrie in Kinblathmont and David Guthrie in Inverpeffer.

Why This Record Matters

  • It gives explicit heirship evidence for the living Alexander of Halkertoun.
  • It preserves several distinct Guthrie territorial identities within one legal record.
  • It is central to reconstructing the Halkertoun succession.

Heir Does Not Necessarily Mean Son

The entry identifies Alexander as heir of the late Alexander Guthrie, but does not specify the exact degree of relationship. “Heir” should therefore not automatically be rewritten as “son.”

Source: RMS III, charter 3086, pp. 723–724. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 25 April 1545 · underlying charter 21 April 1545 Charter 3095 · John & William Guthrie at North Melgund RMS III · p. 725 · HathiTrust image 733
Guthries Identified John Guthrie; William Guthrie
Role Witnesses
Setting North / South Melgund
Evidence Type Witness / Local Network

Document Focus

William Cramond sold the lands of South Melgund to Mariota Ogilvy, Lady of North Melgund. John Guthrie and William Guthrie witnessed the underlying charter at North Melgund.

Relationship Caution

Their joint appearance does not establish that John and William were brothers or belonged to a specific Guthrie branch.

Source: RMS III, charter 3095, p. 725. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 13 July 1545 · underlying charter 30 June 1545 Charter 3138 · Alexander of Kinblathmont & John Guthrie RMS III · p. 737 · HathiTrust image 745
Territorial Guthrie Alexander Guthrie of Kinblathmont
Additional Guthrie John Guthrie
Role Witnesses
Evidence Type Witness / Territorial

Document Focus

William Cramond sold a quarter of the lands of Wowdend to Mariota Ogilvy, Lady of North Melgund. Alexander Guthrie of Kinblathmont and John Guthrie appear among the witnesses to the underlying charter at Melgund.

Why This Record Matters

It provides a late securely styled appearance for Alexander of Kinblathmont and documents another Guthrie presence in the Melgund-area witness network.

Identity Caution

John is not territorially identified and should remain unassigned.

Source: RMS III, charter 3138, p. 737. View published RMS image.

End of the expanded Volume III record series. The sixty-one expanded entries are now complete through Charter 3138. The sections that follow draw the recurring people, offices, branch pathways and supplementary Index Nominum references together without creating duplicate charter cards.

Recurring People, Offices & Documentary Identities

Repeated appearances become more useful when they are read as sequences rather than isolated charter references. This section brings together individuals whose names, territorial styles or professional offices recur across Volume III.

These summaries do not create additional RMS records. Each charter remains fully documented in its chronological section; the purpose here is to show continuity, recurring roles and relationships that become visible only when the records are compared.

Alexander Guthrie alias Falkland Pursuivant

Royal officer · sheriff in that part · land appreciator · grantee

RMS Wording Alexander Guthrie alias Falkland signifer
Documented Span 1531–1537
Recurring Function Sheriff / appreciation proceedings

Alexander’s repeated appearance under the same personal name and office creates one of the clearest professional sequences in Volume III. In several entries he is explicitly named; other entries identify only the office of Falkland signifer, which the Index Nominum associates with Alexander.

1531 · [1085] and 1087

No. 1085 names the Falkland signifer as sheriff in that part without printing Alexander’s personal name. No. 1087 explicitly names Alexander Guthrie alias Falkland Pursuivant performing that office.

12 June 1532 · 1181 and 1182

Two consecutive appreciation proceedings explicitly name Alexander in his Falkland office and record fees arising from his work as sheriff.

August–December 1532 · [1237] and 1247

No. 1237 records an appreciation carried out before the unnamed Falkland Pursuivant. No. 1247 then explicitly identifies Alexander and grants him lands at Bacharis arising from that sheriff’s fee.

7 January 1533/34 · 1338

Alexander is again explicitly identified in connection with a sheriff’s fee arising from land appreciation.

1534 · [1371]

The charter refers only to the Falkland signifer, sheriff in that part. The Index Nominum places the reference under Alexander’s entry but marks it in brackets.

31 August 1537 · 1711

Alexander is once again explicitly named in connection with his sheriff’s fee in Banffshire appreciation proceedings.

Documentary conclusion: Volume III securely establishes a continuing official career for Alexander Guthrie under the style Falkland signifer. The page retains the established English label “Falkland Pursuivant,” while preserving the Latin wording where it matters.
Genealogical caution: these records identify Alexander by office, not by parentage or landed branch. His professional identity should not be merged with another Alexander Guthrie merely because the given name is the same.

Master John Guthrie · Arts Professor & Notary Public

Professional / notarial sequence

First Styled Appearance 1530
Professional Title Notary public
Additional Style Arts professor in no. 926
26 March 1530 · recorded in 926

Master John Guthrie is styled arts professor and notary public among the witnesses to an Ogilvy transaction.

20 September 1531 · recorded in 1075

Master John again appears expressly as notary public in an annualrent transaction.

18 July 1534 · recorded in 1401

Master John Guthrie, notary public, witnesses a liferent grant concerning Thornton.

Documentary conclusion: the repetition of the name, master’s title and notarial designation provides a strong professional sequence for a Master John Guthrie active from at least 1530 to 1534.
Scope of the evidence: the records establish his professional identity but do not supply a pedigree. He should not be merged with an untitled John Guthrie elsewhere in the volume without additional evidence.

Master James Guthrie, Rector of Kirkbuddo · Son John Guthrie

Clerical identity · father-to-son succession · Kirriemuir property

Father Master James Guthrie
Son John Guthrie
Remainder William, son of late David Guthrie

Both entries preserve the same underlying charter dated 16 December 1531. Master James, rector of Kirkbuddo, receives the property in liferent; his son John receives it heritably, with succession through John’s lawful male heirs and a further remainder to William, son of the late David Guthrie.

Important reading point: Charters 1104 and 1331 reinforce the same family arrangement; they should not be interpreted as two independent father-to-son transfers occurring in different generations.
Genealogical value: the documents provide an explicit father–son statement and preserve an additional named Guthrie in the remainder clause, making this one of the clearest family groups in Volume III.

Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum

Territorial continuity · marriage · sibling evidence · regional networks

Documented Span 1521–1539/40
Spouse Elizabeth Rait
Brother German Thomas Guthrie
1521 · 208

First Volume III appearance under the territorial style Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum.

1523–1524 · 246 and 250

No. 246 calls Alexander brother of James Rynd and places George and James Guthrie in the same witness group. No. 250 identifies Alexander’s wife Elizabeth Rait and documents their conjunct infeftment.

October 1529 · 844 and 845

Alexander is explicitly named as a witness in 844. Charter 845 then incorporates the witnesses of 844 by the formula TEST. ut in carta 844.

1532–1538 · 1249, 1417 and 1835

Repeated witness appearances place Alexander within Crawford, Rynd, Langlands and Dundee-area legal networks.

1539/40 · 2085

Alexander transfers Carret and warrandice lands to Thomas Guthrie, his brother german. This provides the strongest explicit sibling evidence in the Kincaldrum sequence.

James Rynd relationship: Charter 246 itself calls Alexander the brother of James Rynd. The precise reconstruction of that sibling relationship belongs to the wider Kincaldrum evidence and should not be expanded beyond the wording of this RMS entry here.

The Provostship of Guthrie · When “Guthrie” Is Not a Surname

Place / ecclesiastical context

Three expanded records contain the word Guthrie because the person is styled Provost of Guthrie. The office is first represented here by Master John Hay and later by Master Thomas Dickson.

Why retain these entries? They document the institutional and ecclesiastical history of Guthrie and help explain references to the provostship, prebendaries and patronage found in records concerning the barony itself.
Name distinction: John Hay and Thomas Dickson are not members of the Guthrie surname family merely because their titles contain the word Guthrie. This is why these three records are counted separately as place / ecclesiastical context entries.

Supplementary Index Nominum References

The printed Index Nominum sometimes identifies a person even when the numbered charter itself supplies only an office or territorial style. Square brackets are therefore significant: they mark an editorial identification rather than an ordinary printed occurrence of the person’s full name.

These references are preserved because they are useful finding aids, but they are not allowed to inflate the count of expanded personal records or to make the charter say more than it actually does.

Index Ref. Indexed Person What the Charter Actually Gives Treatment on This Page
[1085] Alexander Guthrie alias Falkland Pursuivant The charter names the Falkland signifer as sheriff in that part but does not print Alexander’s personal name. Preserved as a supplementary office reference; no separate expanded Guthrie card.
[1237] Alexander Guthrie alias Falkland Pursuivant The appreciation is recorded as taking place before the Falkland signifer, sheriff in that part. Cross-referenced from Charter 1247, which explicitly names Alexander and refers back to the same appreciation.
[1371] Alexander Guthrie alias Falkland Pursuivant The King’s letters are directed to the Falkland signifer, sheriff in that part; the personal name Alexander Guthrie is not printed. Preserved as supplementary office evidence, not as an additional expanded personal entry.
[3009] Ninian Guthrie of Kingany The charter names only “Guthrie of Kingany” within the list of fines; it does not print Ninian’s given name. Charter 3009 remains a full territorial Guthrie record. Ninian’s personal identification is retained as an Index Nominum association rather than rewritten into the charter text.
Why Charter 845 is different: the Index Nominum reference to Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum at no. 845 is not bracketed. The charter itself explicitly incorporates the witness list of no. 844 with TEST. ut in carta 844. Because Alexander is actually present through that documentary incorporation, no. 845 remains one of the sixty-one expanded entries.
Index evidence is evidence about the index: an editorial identification can be very useful, particularly where a recurring office or territorial style makes the identification persuasive. It is nevertheless distinct from a charter explicitly printing a person’s given name and surname.
61 Expanded RMS entries
3 Additional Falkland office references: [1085], [1237], [1371]
1 Bracketed personal identification within an already expanded record: Ninian at [3009]
Final counting rule: supplementary Index Nominum identifications are preserved and explained, but the main documentary total remains 61 expanded entries.

Research Pathways

The Great Seal register is most useful when individual entries are followed across time and compared with evidence from other record groups. The pathways below identify the principal Guthrie families, properties and professional identities illuminated by Volume III.

A pathway is not a pedigree. It identifies records that belong together because the charter supplies a territorial style, explicit family relationship, recurring office or other documentary link strong enough to justify comparison.

Guthrie of Guthrie · The Principal Line

Barony · succession · “of that Ilk”

Open Guthrie of Guthrie Profile
What the Volume Establishes

The records follow Guthrie of that Ilk from an embedded 1486 appearance of Alexander through Andrew Guthrie’s repeated participation in assizes, the formal re-incorporation of the lands into the free barony of Guthrie in 1538/39, and the 1543/44 grant to Andrew’s son and apparent heir Alexander.

Strongest Succession Evidence

Charter 2998 explicitly identifies Alexander Guthrie as son and apparent heir of Andrew Guthrie of that Ilk.

Research Caution

Charter 1489 securely names an Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk in 1486 but does not itself provide parentage or a generation number.

Guthrie of Kincaldrum

Alexander Guthrie · Elizabeth Rait · Thomas Guthrie

Open Kincaldrum Profile
What the Volume Establishes

Alexander appears repeatedly under the secure territorial style of Kincaldrum. Charter 250 identifies Elizabeth Rait as his spouse, while Charter 2085 identifies Thomas Guthrie as his brother german.

Rynd Connection

Charter 246 explicitly describes Alexander of Kincaldrum as the brother of James Rynd of Broxmouth. Multiple later appearances continue the Guthrie–Rynd documentary network.

Important Distinction

Thomas is proved to be Alexander’s full brother only in Charter 2085. Earlier appearances beside Alexander are useful supporting evidence but do not independently prove that relationship.

Guthrie of Eassie & Hiltoun

Heritable possession · Hiltoun continuity · territorial caution

Open Eassie & Hiltoun Profile
305 · local context only 1386 1465 1916 3009
Key Property Evidence

Charter 1386 identifies David Guthrie of Eassie as hereditary possessor of three quarters of Hiltoun of Guthrie and one quarter of Eastertoun of Guthrie.

Later Continuity

David of Eassie appears again in the multi-Guthrie assizes of 1535 and 1538/39, while Charter 3009 preserves the territorial designation Guthrie of Hiltoun in 1544.

What Remains Unproven

Charter 1386 does not explain the missing transmission by which the Hiltoun portions formerly associated with John Russell came into David Guthrie’s hereditary possession.

Guthrie of Kingany

Ninian Guthrie · Katherine Moncreiff · property recovery

Open Kingennie & Pitforthie Profile
377 · possible earlier Ninian 653 832 1916 2967 3009
Property Sequence

Charter 653 establishes that Ninian Guthrie of Kingany had formerly held Kingany and its mill. The lands passed through the Crown after the Earl of Angus’s forfeiture and were granted to William Wod.

Charter 832 then records Wod’s resignation and the Crown grant of Kingany and its mill to Ninian, with a liferent provision for Katherine Moncreiff his wife.

Continuing Status

Ninian later serves on assizes in Charters 1916 and 2967. The Index Nominum associates the unnamed Guthrie of Kingany in Charter 3009 with Ninian.

Identity Caution

Charter 377 names a Ninian Guthrie but does not style him “of Kingany.” It can be compared with the later sequence but should not be made definitive solely from the shared name.

Guthrie of Halkertoun

Alexander Guthrie · territorial continuity · heirship

Open Halkertoun Profile
What the Volume Establishes

Alexander Guthrie of Halkertoun appears in 1537, again as a witness in 1538, and within the large Kincaldrum witness cluster of 1539/40.

Succession Evidence

Charter 3086 identifies a living Alexander Guthrie of Halkertoun as heir of the late Alexander Guthrie.

What It Does Not Prove

“Heir” establishes succession but does not specify whether the living Alexander was the deceased Alexander’s son, grandson, brother or another lawful heir.

Guthrie of Kinblathmont

Alexander Guthrie · Thomas Guthrie · explicit fatherhood

Territorial Sequence

Alexander is repeatedly documented under the Kinblathmont designation from 1533 through 1545, appearing as witness or assize member in several independent records.

Direct Parentage

Charter 2746 calls Thomas Guthrie “one of the sons of Alexander Guthrie of Kinblathmont.”

Genealogical Limit

The plural wording proves that Alexander had more than one son, but the entry neither names the other son or sons nor identifies Thomas’s mother or birth order.

Guthrie of Grandoun

Alexander Guthrie & Elizabeth Hay

Property Arc

Charter 1201 documents Alexander Guthrie in Grandoun and Elizabeth Hay his wife acquiring or holding the estate under a formal property settlement.

Charter 1638 later records the same couple selling Grandoun, giving this small sequence an unusually clear beginning and end within Volume III.

Guthrie in Colliston

Early Colliston-area documentary evidence

Open Colliston Profile
What the Record Establishes

Charter 2577 gives a direct Crown grant to John Guthrie in Colliston of one-third of Cukistoun in the lordship of Brechin.

Important Wording

The charter says “in Colliston”, which establishes location or residence but is not identical to a formal territorial style “of Colliston.”

Guthrie of Balnabreich

John Guthrie · assize evidence · Brechin context

Open Balnabreich Profile
1916 2320 · related Brechin context
Secure Territorial Evidence

Charter 1916 explicitly names John Guthrie of Balnabreich among the members of the assize.

Related Brechin Record

Charter 2320 contains Brechin rental material involving Balnabreich and names a former feuferme tenant John Guthrie, but the entry does not itself style that John “of Balnabreich.”

Research Caution

The two records may be compared, but Charter 2320 should not be converted into a second explicit “John of Balnabreich” reference.

Guthrie of Lunan

Hercules Guthrie

Open Lunan Profile
Volume III Evidence

Charter 1465 explicitly names Hercules Guthrie of Lunan among four territorially identified Guthries serving together on an assize.

What the Record Adds

It securely documents Hercules under the Lunan territorial designation in 1535 and places him among other established Angus Guthrie landholders.

Kirkbuddo & the Clerical Guthries

Master James Guthrie · son John · William son of David

Explicit Family Structure

Master James Guthrie, rector of Kirkbuddo, receives lands in liferent while his son John Guthrie receives the hereditary interest.

Failing John’s male heirs, the destination passes to William, son of the late David Guthrie.

Research Opportunity

Identifying the late David and determining how William fits beside James and John could potentially connect this clerical family with another documented Guthrie line.

Professional & Royal-Service Guthries

Notaries · procurators · heraldic and sheriff offices

Two Especially Clear Careers

Master John Guthrie repeatedly appears as a notary public, while Alexander Guthrie alias Falkland Pursuivant appears over several years as sheriff in that part and land appreciator.

Wider Administrative Presence

William Guthrie appears as procurator in Charter 1087 and another John Guthrie serves as procurator in Charter 2064. These roles demonstrate that the surname was represented in legal and administrative work as well as landed society.

Northern & Unresolved Guthries

Ardmannach · Ross · Aberdeen · individuals not yet placed

Thomas Guthrie of Ardmannach

Charter 428 gives Thomas Guthrie a direct feuferme grant of Dryne and describes him as dwelling within the lordship of Ardmannach.

Later Northern Appearances

Charters 2043 and 2973 place men named Alexander Guthrie in Ross/Inverness and Aberdeen transactions, but neither man is territorially identified.

Research Caution

Shared geography is not enough to merge these northern Guthries into one family. They should remain separate until another source supplies parentage, property continuity or a recurring territorial style.

Unresolved Personal Identities

Volume III contains several Guthries whose given names recur elsewhere but whose records provide no territorial designation or explicit family relationship. Examples include George Guthery in Charter 86, George Gothray at Gilmertoun in 228, Ninian Guthrie in 377, Thomas Guthrie in 677 and 1250, unidentified Johns in several witness and procurator roles, and Alexanders in the northern and Dundee records.

These entries remain valuable. They document the spread of the surname, local networks and occupational roles. Their value does not depend upon forcing them into a known pedigree.

Best use of these pathways: begin with the records that explicitly supply a territorial style, spouse, parent, child, sibling, heir or recurring professional office. Use witness associations and geographic proximity as supporting context rather than as substitutes for those direct relationships.
Superiority and possession remain separate questions. Volume III is especially important for Eassie/Hiltoun and the Brechin-related holdings because a person may hold superiority, possess a feu, pay a feu duty, occupy the land, or appear only in a rental. Those legal positions should not be collapsed into a single concept of “ownership.”

Terms, Sources & Access

The published Great Seal register is a calendar of Crown charters and related instruments. Its entries frequently preserve an earlier private charter, resignation, instrument, assize or legal proceeding inside a later royal confirmation. Reading the record accurately therefore requires attention not only to names but also to legal vocabulary, dates and the role each person plays within the document.

The short glossary below explains terms that recur throughout the Guthrie entries in Volume III. Definitions are intended to help readers understand the records in context rather than to replace specialist legal or diplomatic analysis.

Apparent Heir

A person expected to inherit if the existing succession is not displaced. In Charter 2998 Alexander Guthrie is expressly described as the son and apparent heir of Andrew Guthrie of that Ilk.

Appreciation

A formal valuation of land, often undertaken as part of legal proceedings to satisfy a debt, judgment or compensation. Several of the Falkland Pursuivant records arise from such valuations.

Assize

A panel of local landholders or other qualified men summoned to determine facts, value lands or participate in a formal legal inquiry. Service on an assize can indicate regional standing, but it does not establish kinship among the participants.

Brother German

A full brother sharing both parents. Charter 2085 explicitly calls Thomas Guthrie the brother german of Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum.

Conjunct Infeftment

A form of joint heritable holding, frequently granted to a married couple and the survivor of them, often with a stated destination to their heirs.

de eodem · “of that Ilk”

Literally “of the same.” In a surname-and-place context such as Guthre de eodem, it identifies a person whose territorial designation is the same as the surname: Guthrie of Guthrie, or “Guthrie of that Ilk.”

Feu / Feuferme

A form of heritable land tenure in which the holder rendered a fixed annual feu duty or ferm rather than holding solely by older military or ward obligations.

Fiar

The person holding the fee or heritable interest in property, often while another person retained a liferent. The term can be genealogically important because the fiar may represent the succeeding generation.

Heir

A person legally succeeding to another. The word does not automatically mean “son.” Charter 3086, for example, calls a living Alexander Guthrie of Halkertoun heir of a deceased Alexander without specifying the exact degree of relationship.

Liferent

The right to possess or receive the income from property for the duration of a person’s life without necessarily holding the underlying hereditary fee.

Multures

Payments or quantities of grain due for the use of a mill, often appearing among the rights and revenues transferred with landed estates.

Prepositus / Provost

An office title. In Charters 219, 441 and 834, Guthrie occurs in the title “Provost of Guthrie.” The office holder is John Hay or Thomas Dickson, not a person surnamed Guthrie.

Procurator

A person formally authorized to act for another in a legal transaction or proceeding. William Guthrie and John Guthrie appear in procuratorial roles in Volume III.

Regression / Right of Reversion

A contractual right allowing land to return to a former holder when specified conditions were satisfied, commonly repayment of a stated sum within a set period.

Resignation

Formal surrender of a feudal holding into the superior’s hands, often immediately followed by a new grant or regrant establishing a revised succession or ownership arrangement.

Signifer

Literally a bearer of a sign, standard or insignia. In this volume Falkland signifer is the Latin wording associated with Alexander Guthrie’s heraldic royal office, rendered here as Falkland Pursuivant.

Terce

A widow’s legal entitlement to a portion, traditionally one third, of her husband’s heritable lands during her lifetime, subject to the applicable Scots law and circumstances.

Ward & Relief

Feudal incidents associated with certain forms of landholding. Ward could place the lands and heir under the superior during minority, while relief was a payment due when an heir entered the inheritance.

White Ferme

A nominal money payment reserved as the annual duty of a holding. Several Crown grants in Volume III require only a silver penny in name of white ferme.

“Of” versus “In”

Territorial wording matters. “Alexander Guthrie of Kinblathmont” is a territorial style; “John Guthrie in Colliston” establishes a connection or residence there but is not automatically the same type of title.

Confirmation Date ≠ Original Charter Date

A Great Seal entry may be dated years or even decades after the underlying deed. Charter 1489 was confirmed in 1535 but preserves Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk as a witness to a charter executed in 1486.

Witness ≠ Relative

A witness proves presence in a legal or social network. Kinship should be claimed only when the document says so or when other independent evidence establishes the relationship.

Place Name ≠ Surname

Guthrie may refer to the lands, barony, collegiate establishment or provostship. The surrounding grammar must be checked before treating every occurrence as a Guthrie person.

Index Identification ≠ Charter Wording

The Index Nominum may identify a person from an office or territorial style even where the charter itself omits the personal name. The bracketed Falkland Pursuivant references are preserved separately for this reason.

Superiority ≠ Possession

A superior, heritable possessor, feu-holder, tenant and occupier may all have different legal relationships to the same land. These categories should not be collapsed into the modern idea of a single “owner.”

Same Name ≠ Same Person

Volume III contains several Alexanders, Johns, Jameses, Thomases and Davids. A repeated given name is not enough to merge identities without territorial, occupational, relational or other supporting evidence.

Charter number, printed page and digitized image are three different references. For example, the free-barony record for Andrew Guthrie of that Ilk is RMS III Charter 1932, printed on page 432, and displayed as HathiTrust image 440. Older notes that contain only a bare number such as “#440” should therefore be checked before deciding whether the number means a charter, a printed page or a digitized image.

Published Register · HathiTrust

Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum — The Register of the Great Seal of Scotland, Volume III, covering A.D. 1513–1546.

Open Volume III Open Index Nominum Area

Internet Archive

A second digitized copy of Volume III is available through Internet Archive and can be useful when a page is difficult to read or another viewer provides easier navigation.

Open Internet Archive Copy

Google Books

Google Books provides another searchable digital copy of the published volume. Search results should still be checked against the actual printed entry before a genealogical conclusion is adopted.

Open Google Books

Original Records

The published RMS calendar is an essential finding aid and source, but it is not always a word-for-word reproduction of the surviving original instrument. Where a conclusion depends on exact phrasing, seals, endorsements, witnesses or an abbreviated relationship, the original archival record should be sought whenever possible.

National Records of Scotland

Evidence & Access Priority

  1. The exact original charter, instrument or archival record, when available.
  2. The exact numbered RMS entry and its printed wording.
  3. A reliable digital image of the published volume.
  4. The printed Index Nominum as a finding and identification aid.
  5. Later pedigrees, family histories and secondary interpretations, checked against the contemporary evidence.
Index reconciliation: the Volume III Guthrie survey contains 61 expanded RMS entries: 58 personal or territorial Guthrie records and 3 entries in which Guthrie is an ecclesiastical or place designation. The printed Index Nominum also supplies three bracketed Falkland Pursuivant references — [1085], [1237] and [1371] — retained as supplementary office evidence rather than additional expanded personal records.

Related Guthrie Research

The Great Seal entries are most informative when compared with sasines, exchequer records, ecclesiastical sources, testaments, private charters and the documentary profiles of the individual Guthrie families.

A documentary collection, not a reconstructed pedigree: Volume III provides many explicit relationships, but its wider value lies in preserving people, places, offices, landholding and legal networks without filling documentary gaps with assumptions. Where the evidence proves a spouse, parent, child, sibling or heir, that relationship is stated directly. Where it does not, the question remains open.

RMS Volume III · A.D. 1513–1546

Sixty-one expanded entries trace Guthrie evidence from the aftermath of Flodden through the reign of James V and into the minority of Mary, Queen of Scots — documenting baronies and feus, spouses and heirs, royal officers and notaries, tenants and witnesses, and several distinct Guthrie families active across sixteenth-century Scotland.

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