RMS – Volume 5
Guthrie Genealogy · Special Collections · Register of the Great Seal
RMS · Volume V
Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum
A.D. 1580–1593
Volume V of the Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum preserves a broad cross-section of Guthrie evidence from the later sixteenth century: succession within the principal line, property and office among the Colliston and Kinblathmont families, activity at Balnabreich and Hiltoun, marriage settlements, urban legal careers, witness networks, and territorial references that help reconstruct the Angus landscape.
Overview
The Guthrie material in this volume is unusually varied. Some records directly establish family relationships or property succession; others preserve spouses, occupations, legal offices, witness appearances or the names of Guthrie-associated places. Read together, they provide a much richer picture than a simple surname index.
Family & Succession
Several charters state parent-child or heir relationships directly, including the principal Guthrie line, Colliston, Kinblathmont and the Idvie–Crawquhy family.
Land, Tenure & Territorial Identity
Guthrie, Hiltoun, Balnabreich, Colliston, Kinblathmont, Crawquhy-mylne and other locations appear within grants, resignations, boundaries and chains of title.
Marriage & Property
Isobel Ogilvy, Elizabeth Guthrie, Mariot Guthrie, Christine Guthrie and Margaret Guthrie appear within grants that document marriage, liferent, conjunct infeftment and succession.
Burgh, Legal & Professional Careers
Edinburgh, Leith and Aberdeen records reveal Guthries serving as notaries, burgh clerks, scribes, servants and participants in urban property transactions.
Historical Context
Volume V falls within the reign of James VI and records a period in which royal confirmations, resignations, feu-charters, marriage settlements and grants of office repeatedly reshaped the documentary record of Scottish families and estates.
Royal Confirmation
Many entries confirm earlier instruments rather than describing transactions newly created on the date of registration. A charter entered in the 1580s or 1590s may therefore preserve genealogical evidence dating decades earlier.
Earlier Instruments Preserved
Volume V incorporates Guthrie evidence from documents dating as early as 1507 and repeatedly preserves sixteenth-century charters, sasines and witness lists within later confirmations.
Land & Jurisdiction
The records distinguish lands, baronies, feus, superiorities, regality jurisdictions, annual rents, mills, teinds and other legal interests. These categories should not be collapsed into a generic idea of “ownership.”
The Value of Witnesses
Witness lists place individuals in a specific time, place and documentary network. They can be extremely useful for identifying people, but witnessing a charter does not by itself prove family relationship to the principal parties.
Scope of this collection: Volume V contains 30 unique charter numbers indexed to definite Guthrie individuals in the Index Nominum. Charter 1591 adds one further expanded record because Guthrie and Hiltoun de Guthrie occur as significant territorial references even though no person surnamed Guthrie is named.
Three records indexed separately under Gothray / Goutthray are retained as supplementary surname references because the printed index uses cf. Guthrie rather than identifying Gothray as a Guthrie spelling variant.
Primary source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, Volume V, A.D. 1580–1593, edited by John Maitland Thomson, Edinburgh, 1888. Personal-name identifications are compared with the volume’s Index Nominum; territorial references are compared with the Index Locorum. View Volume V at HathiTrust →
Master Guthrie Finding Aid
The table below provides a chronological guide to the 31 expanded records in RMS Volume V. Charter numbers link directly to the detailed entries farther down this page. Evidence types describe the documentary function of each record rather than ranking its importance.
Guthrie individuals indexed in the volume’s Index Nominum.
Charter 1591 uses Guthrie and Hiltoun de Guthrie as territorial and boundary references.
Gothray / Goutthray records are preserved separately because the index directs readers to cf. Guthrie rather than treating the names as identical.
| Charter | Date | Guthrie Evidence | Documentary Role | Record Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 318 | 30 Jan 1581/82 |
Alexander Guthrie in Elgin
Property / Tenure |
Occupant of burgh properties | Annual rents charged on two Elgin properties associated with Alexander Guthrie. |
| 637 | 30 Nov 1583 |
Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk; Alexander Guthrie apparent;
Isobel Wood
Family / Succession |
Resignation and new grant | Father-to-son succession to the lands and barony of Guthrie, with liferent reserved to the elder Alexander and terce rights for Isobel Wood. |
| 730 | 28 Aug 1584 |
James Guthrie of Balnabreich
Witness / Territorial |
Witness to underlying charter | Balnabreich laird appears in the witness network surrounding an Ogilvie-Campbell land exchange. |
| 867 | 6 Aug 1585 |
Master John Guthrie
Witness / Professional |
Notary public and witness | Professional appearance in an earlier Aberdeen ecclesiastical feu transaction. |
| 868 | 6 Aug 1585 |
Robert Guthrie of Kinblathmont; Alexander Guthrie;
William Guthrie
Family / Succession |
Heir and feu-holder | Robert is named nephew and heir of the late Alexander; the earlier title also identifies William as Alexander’s father. |
| 872 | 6 Aug 1585 |
Elizabeth Guthrie, wife of Alexander Burnet
Marriage / Property |
Joint feu-holder | Conjunct infeftment of Cluny / Cluny-Glassill to Alexander Burnet and Elizabeth Guthrie. |
| 923 | 24 Feb 1585/86 |
Robert Guthrie of Kinblathmont
Property / Tenure |
Former holder in chain of title | Robert’s acquisition and subsequent sale of the half lands of Dikmontlaw are preserved in the title history. |
| 1094 | 1 Dec 1586 |
Robert Guthrie of Kinblathmont
Property / Tenure |
Former holder and seller | Robert appears in successive transfers of portions of the lands of Kinnaldie. |
| 1104 | 8 Dec 1586 |
John Guthrie in Colliston; Isobel Ogilvy
Marriage / Property |
Spouses in landed transaction | Colliston-area property evidence, including the indexed place-name Guthrieshill. |
| 1105 | 8 Dec 1586 |
Henry Guthrie of Colliston; John Guthrie his son and
apparent heir
Family / Office |
Hereditary officer and successor | John receives hereditary offices as mair, coronator and court clerk of the regality of Arbroath. |
| 1114 | 8 Dec 1586 |
Alexander Guthrie
Witness |
Witness to underlying charter | Alexander appears among the witnesses to an earlier Culross feu-farm transaction. |
| 1250 | 18 May 1587 |
Ninian Guthrie of Kingennie
Witness / Territorial |
Witness | Continues the documented Kingennie / Kingany territorial sequence established in earlier RMS volumes. |
| 1299 | 21 Jul 1587 |
Master David Guthrie in Kinnaird
Territorial / Sasine |
Recipient of precept / sasine role | Master David appears in connection with delivery of legal possession; the Index Nominum later groups him with David Guthrie in Nauchtane. |
| 1344 | 9 Aug 1587 |
Andrew Guthrie in Idvie; Alexander Guthrie of
Crawquhy-mylne, his son
Family / Property |
Former holders / resigners | Direct father-son evidence connects Andrew in Idvie with Alexander of Crawquhy-mylne. |
| 1366 | 22 Aug 1587 |
Hiltoun de Guthrie; John Guthrie of Fultoun; Alexander
Guthrie
Family / Territorial |
Territorial and adjoining-holder evidence | Hiltoun lands lie within the barony of Guthrie. The Index Nominum identifies Alexander as son of John Guthrie of Fultoun, while the Index Locorum associates Fultoun with Hiltoun de Guthrie. |
| 1371 | 13 Sep 1587 |
Mariot Guthrie, wife of Master John Lindsay
Marriage / Property |
Spouse and joint beneficiary | Begins the four-record Volume V sequence for Mariot Guthrie and John Lindsay, rector of Menmure. |
| 1512 | 4 Apr 1588 |
Mariot Guthrie, wife of Master John Lindsay
Marriage / Property |
Joint grantee | Conjunct infeftment in the sunny half of Balmakin, with survivorship and succession provisions. |
| 1517 | 8 Apr 1588 |
Alexander Guthrie; Master David Guthrie; John Guthrie
Civic / Professional |
Notary, servant and burgh clerk | Edinburgh and Leith professional network: Alexander as royal notary and common clerk, Master David as his servant, and John as clerk of Leith. |
| 1545 | 21 May 1588 |
Christine Guthrie, wife of Master George Abernethy
Marriage / Property |
Liferenter / spouse | New grant of the barony of Naterdul to George Abernethy and Christine Guthrie, with succession to their eldest son. |
| 1550 | 25 May 1588 |
Alexander Guthrie apparent of that Ilk
Witness / Succession |
Witness | Further dated appearance of the younger main-line Alexander, already identified as apparent heir in Charter 637. |
| 1591 | 13 Oct 1588 |
Hiltoun de Guthrie; Guthrie
Place / Territorial Context |
Boundary and place references | Quhytefaillis is described east of Hiltoun de Guthrie and Lawnansyde lies between Kinnell, Guthrie, the Lownand water and the Montrewmonth moor. |
| 1665 | 3 Jun 1589 |
Master Alexander Guthrie
Civic / Professional |
Scribe / notarial officer | Continues the Edinburgh common-clerk and notarial career also represented in Charters 1517 and 2100. |
| 1682 | 1 Aug 1589 |
Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk
Personal / Territorial |
Named victim in homicide context | Records the killing of Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk within the wider Gardyn conflict. |
| 1702 | 17 Oct 1589 |
Robert Guthrie
Witness / Professional |
Servitor and witness | Robert appears as a servant in the Crawford / Lindsay documentary network. |
| 1724 | 26 Feb 1590 |
Mariot Guthrie, wife of Master John Lindsay
Marriage / Property |
Spouse and property beneficiary | Continues the Lindsay-Guthrie marriage and property sequence, including lands associated with Inverdovat. |
| 2100 | 10 Jun 1592 |
Mariot Guthrie; Master John Lindsay; their children
Marriage / Family / Property |
Joint liferenter and parent | Extensive Fife property grant to John Lindsay and Mariot Guthrie with detailed succession to their sons. |
| 2118 | 1 Jul 1592 |
Andrew Guthrie of Balnabreich; Margaret Guthrie his wife;
James Guthrie
Marriage / Property |
Portioners / landed parties | Balnabreich property division and transfer involving Andrew and Margaret Guthrie and the recurring James Guthrie of Balnabreich. |
| 2175 | 26 Sep 1592 |
Andrew Guthrie of Aberdeen
Property / Urban Context |
Adjoining proprietor / occupant | Andrew Guthrie appears among adjoining owners and occupants within a large Aberdeen-area property description. |
| 2251 | 14 Feb 1593 |
David Guthrie, lord of the feu of Hiltoun
Witness / Territorial |
Witness | Earlier 1575 witness appearance identifies David Guthrie specifically through his feu relationship with Hiltoun. |
| 2260 | 19 Mar 1593 |
James Guthrie senior of Balnabreich; Master David Guthrie
in Nauchtane
Witness / Territorial |
Witnesses | Brings together the recurring Balnabreich James Guthrie and Master David Guthrie, whom the Index Nominum also records at Kinnaird. |
| 2279 | 17 Apr 1593 |
Robert Guthrie of Kinblathmont
Property / Tenure |
Consenting landed party | Final Volume V appearance in the four-record Kinblathmont sequence, in connection with resignation of Arbroath lands. |
Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, Vol. V, A.D. 1580–1593. Personal-name groupings follow the Index Nominum; territorial and place-name forms are checked against the Index Locorum. Index identifications are distinguished from wording stated directly in the charter text.
Detailed Records · 1581/82–1585/86
These first seven records range from urban tenure in Elgin to the succession of the principal Guthrie line, the appearance of James Guthrie of Balnabreich, professional activity in Aberdeen, and a concentrated group of Kinblathmont and marriage-property records. Where an RMS confirmation preserves an earlier instrument, the underlying date is shown separately.
Charter 318 · Alexander Guthrie in Elgin
Document Focus
The King granted Alexander Cuming, son of Alexander Cuming of Ernsyde, a dovecot and a series of annual rents drawn from lands and tenements in the burgh of Elgin. Among the properties charged with those annual rents were land inhabited by Alexander Guthrie, yielding 14 shillings, and land formerly associated with Alexander Winchester and then held or occupied by Alexander Guthrie, yielding 21 shillings.
Why This Record Matters
The charter places an Alexander Guthrie in the urban property landscape of Elgin by January 1581/82. His appearance is tied to occupation or tenure rather than to a principal grant, but the two separate property references make his presence in the burgh particularly clear.
Identity Caution
The charter gives no territorial designation, office, spouse or parentage for this Alexander. He should therefore remain distinct from the several other Alexander Guthries appearing elsewhere in Volume V unless independent evidence establishes an identity.
Terms / Practice
Annual rent: a recurring payment secured upon property. Blench farm: a nominal feudal return; here the grant was held for one silver penny.
Source: RMS V, charter 318, pp. 102–103. HathiTrust images 110–111.
Charter 637 · Father-to-Son Succession at Guthrie
Document Focus
The King granted the lands and barony of Guthrie to Alexander Guthrie, apparent of that Ilk, following resignation by Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk, explicitly identified as the younger Alexander’s father.
The grant included the tower, manor, mills, tenants, church patronage and common pasture in the moor of Montrewmonth. It excepted the lands of Hiltoun, both property and superiority, and the superiority of Langlandis, described as portions of the barony belonging to Master Walter Lindsay of Kemphill.
Free tenement was reserved to the elder Alexander, with provision for the reasonable terce of Isobel Wood, his wife.
Why This Record Matters
This is direct evidence for succession in the principal Guthrie line. It states the father-son relationship rather than requiring it to be reconstructed from chronology or territorial continuity. It also identifies Isobel Wood as wife of the elder Alexander and documents the legal transfer of the principal barony during his lifetime.
Territorial Context
The exception for Hiltoun is significant: Hiltoun remained geographically within the barony of Guthrie while its property and superiority could be held separately. The distinction between baronial geography, superiority and actual possession should be preserved.
Terms / Practice
Apparent: the designated successor or heir apparent in the wording of the record. Free tenement: a reserved lifetime interest. Terce: a widow’s legal liferent share. Advowson / presentation: the right to present to an ecclesiastical benefice.
Source: RMS V, charter 637, pp. 196–197. HathiTrust images 204–205. The Index Locorum also indexes the barony, castle, collegiate church and Hiltoun de Guthrie under this charter.
Charter 730 · James Guthrie of Balnabreich
Document Focus
The royal confirmation concerns an exchange arranged by James, Lord Ogilvie of Airlie, and his son and apparent heir, James, Master of Ogilvie, with Master Nicol Campbell of Kethik and Katherine Drummond.
In the underlying charter executed at Latoun on 26 July 1583, James Guthrie of Balnabreich (Jac. Guthrie de Balnabreich) appears among the witnesses, together with Walter Lindsay of Kemphill, Archibald Ogilvie of Latoun and others.
Why This Record Matters
The territorial designation makes the identification useful even though James is not a principal party. It provides a precisely dated appearance of James Guthrie of Balnabreich within an Angus and Kincardineshire landholding network involving the Ogilvie, Lindsay, Campbell and Drummond families.
Genealogical Caution
Witnessing the transaction demonstrates documentary association, not kinship with the principal parties. Any family relationship must be established from independent evidence.
Terms / Practice
Conjunct infeftment: joint heritable possession, commonly given to spouses with survivorship provisions. Precept of sasine: an order authorizing delivery of legal possession.
Source: RMS V, charter 730, p. 225; underlying charter dated 26 July 1583. HathiTrust image 233.
Charter 867 · Master John Guthrie, Notary Public
Document Focus
The King confirmed an ecclesiastical feu charter concerning the lands of Chapeltoun in the parish of Fettercairn. The underlying instrument was executed in the city of Aberdeen, in the manse of Balhelvy, on 8 January 1558.
Among its witnesses was Master John Guthrie, notary public (M. Joanne Guthrie notario publico).
Why This Record Matters
The entry provides occupational evidence for a Master John Guthrie working in a legal and ecclesiastical setting in Aberdeen by 1558. Because the royal confirmation was issued nearly three decades later, the earlier date—not merely the 1585 confirmation—is the relevant date for his documented activity.
Identity Caution
The volume does not identify this notary with a territorial family or state his relationship to other Master John Guthries. He should not be merged with similarly named men without independent evidence.
Terms / Practice
Feu-farm: heritable tenure held for a fixed annual return. Notary public: an authorized legal professional who prepared or authenticated instruments. Teinds: ecclesiastical tithes.
Source: RMS V, charter 867, pp. 276–277; underlying instrument dated 8 January 1558. HathiTrust images 284–285.
Charter 868 · Kinblathmont Succession
Document Focus
The confirmation was issued to Robert Guthrie of Kinblathmont, explicitly described as nephew and heir of the late Alexander Guthrie of Kinblathmont.
It recites an earlier grant of the hospital lands of St German, lying between the dominical lands of Kinblathmont, to Alexander Guthrie. The record further states that those lands had formerly belonged heritably to William Guthrie of Kinblathmont, father of Alexander.
Why This Record Matters
Charter 868 preserves two direct genealogical relationships: William was father of Alexander, and Robert was nephew and heir of Alexander. It therefore documents both family structure and succession to property associated with Kinblathmont.
Genealogical Caution
“Nephew and heir” does not identify which sibling of Alexander was Robert’s parent. The record should not be made to supply that missing generation unless another source names it.
Chronology / Practice
The royal confirmation is dated 1585, but the incorporated Kinblathmont grant is dated 12 August 1507. This unusually long documentary span makes it important to keep the confirmation date and the historical date of the earlier grant separate.
Source: RMS V, charter 868, p. 277; incorporated charter dated 12 August 1507. HathiTrust image 285.
Charter 872 · Elizabeth Guthrie & Alexander Burnet
Document Focus
The King confirmed a charter by the Archbishop of St Andrews granting in feu-farm to Alexander Burnet in Cluny and Elizabeth Guthrie his wife the lands of Cluny, alias Cluny-Glassill.
The lands were to be held by Alexander and Elizabeth and the longer liver of them in conjunct infeftment, with succession to their lawful children and, failing them, to Alexander’s lawful nearest heirs or assignees.
Why This Record Matters
Elizabeth Guthrie is not simply named as a spouse: she held conjunct rights in the property with survivorship provisions. The record therefore provides both direct marriage evidence and evidence of her legal interest in the Cluny lands.
Genealogical Caution
Elizabeth’s own Guthrie parentage is not stated here. Proximity to other Forfarshire Guthries cannot by itself establish her branch or parents.
Terms / Practice
Conjunct infeftment: joint heritable possession granted to two persons, commonly spouses, often with survivorship. Capital pleas: principal courts at which suit or attendance could be owed.
Source: RMS V, charter 872, p. 278; underlying charter dated 18 December 1554. HathiTrust image 286.
Charter 923 · Robert Guthrie of Kinblathmont & Dikmontlaw
Document Focus
The King confirmed a feu-farm grant by the commendator and convent of Arbroath to Master Peter Young, royal preceptor and great almoner.
The title history of the half lands of Dikmontlaw records that they had first been set in feu-farm to Robert Lin, who alienated them to Robert Guthrie of Kinblathmont, and that Robert Guthrie subsequently sold them to Peter Young.
Why This Record Matters
The charter extends the documented property activity of Robert Guthrie of Kinblathmont beyond the succession evidence in Charter 868. Here he appears in a clear chain of title as an intermediate holder and seller of Dikmontlaw.
Property Caution
Robert’s appearance in the chain of title establishes that the property passed through his hands. It does not mean that he was the original feuar or that Dikmontlaw formed part of the Kinblathmont estate.
Terms / Practice
Alienation: legal transfer of property. Wreck and ware: rights connected with material cast ashore by the sea and seaweed or other shoreline resources. Teind sheaves: grain tithes.
Source: RMS V, charter 923, p. 298; underlying instruments dated 10 and 14 December 1585. HathiTrust image 306.
Detailed Records · 1586–August 1587
This group is especially rich in landed and family evidence. Robert Guthrie of Kinblathmont appears again in a chain of title; the two Colliston charters preserve marriage, succession and hereditary office; Ninian Guthrie of Kingennie appears within a Perthshire witness network; and the final records document Andrew Guthrie in Idvie, his son Alexander of Crawquhy-mylne, and the territorial history of Hiltoun de Guthrie.
Charter 1094 · Robert Guthrie of Kinblathmont & Kinnaldie
Document Focus
The King confirmed a feu-farm charter concerning portions of the lands of Kinnaldie in the regality of Arbroath. One half-share had previously been alienated by John Carnegie to Robert Guthrie of Kinblathmont; another portion passed to Robert through a separate sale.
Robert subsequently sold the interests he had acquired to James Purdy, Islay Herald, whose new feu grant is the principal subject of the confirmation.
Why This Record Matters
Charter 1094 adds another documented property transaction to the sequence for Robert Guthrie of Kinblathmont. Together with Charters 868 and 923, it shows him not only as an heir but as an active purchaser and seller of land interests within the Arbroath regality.
Property Caution
The record documents Robert’s place in the chain of title to Kinnaldie. It does not establish Kinnaldie as a permanent component of the Kinblathmont estate.
Terms / Practice
Alienation: legal transfer of property. Feu-farm: heritable tenure for a fixed annual return. Teind sheaves: grain tithes. Regality: a territorial jurisdiction possessing delegated legal authority.
Source: RMS V, charter 1094, p. 360; underlying charter dated 20 September 1586. HathiTrust image 368.
Charter 1104 · John Guthrie in Colliston & Isobel Ogilvy
Document Focus
The King confirmed an earlier Arbroath feu charter granting to John Guthrie in Colliston and Isobel Ogilvy his wife the lands of Colliston, Ruffis, Park of Conan, with moors, cottages and pasture, together with the croft called Guthrieshill.
John and Isobel were to hold jointly, with survivorship, followed by their lawful male heirs and, failing them, the senior female heir without division.
Why This Record Matters
This is one of the central documentary records for the Colliston family. It directly identifies Isobel Ogilvy as John’s wife, establishes their joint tenure, and ties the family to Colliston, Ruffis, Park of Conan and the specifically named Guthrieshill holding.
Wording Caution
The record styles John as “in Colliston”. That wording should be preserved rather than automatically modernized to “of Colliston” when quoting or closely describing the charter.
Terms / Practice
Conjunct infeftment: joint heritable possession with survivorship. Messuage: the principal dwelling or seat of a holding. Capital pleas: principal courts at which attendance or suit could be owed.
Source: RMS V, charter 1104, p. 364; original Arbroath charter dated 25 July 1545. HathiTrust image 372. The Index Locorum separately indexes Guthrieshill under this charter.
Charter 1105 · Henry Guthrie of Colliston & His Son John
Document Focus
John, commendator of Arbroath, and the convent constituted John Guthrie, son and apparent heir of Henry Guthrie of Colliston, together with his male heirs and assignees, as hereditary mairs and coronators of the regality of Arbroath and as clerks or scribes of its courts.
The associated emoluments included the land called Mairland, together with specified quantities of oatmeal and barley drawn from the monastery’s victual revenues.
Why This Record Matters
The charter gives an explicit father-son relationship: John Guthrie was the son and apparent heir of Henry Guthrie of Colliston. It also demonstrates that this Colliston succession carried hereditary legal and administrative offices within the Arbroath regality.
Institutional Context
The offices were attached to the jurisdiction of the regality of Arbroath. They should not be described as general county offices without preserving that institutional setting.
Terms / Practice
Mair: an officer responsible for executing summonses and other judicial duties. Coronator: a hereditary officer with judicial and executive functions within the regality. Victual: payment in grain rather than money.
Source: RMS V, charter 1105, p. 364; underlying grant dated 17 September 1578. HathiTrust image 372.
Charter 1114 · Alexander Guthrie, Witness at Culross
Document Focus
The King confirmed an earlier monastic feu charter concerning lands at Blairkerie and part of Quhytehillis in the lordship of Culross-shire.
The underlying charter, dated 21 November 1546, names Alexander Guthrie among the witnesses alongside Master James Forrester and Master Alexander Fores, notary public.
Why This Record Matters
The entry provides a securely dated appearance of an Alexander Guthrie within a Culross monastic transaction and adds to the documentary landscape of men bearing the name in the mid-sixteenth century.
Identity Caution
No territorial designation, office, spouse or kinship is supplied. The Index Nominum lists this Alexander separately from Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk and other named Alexanders in Volume V. He should therefore remain unidentified beyond the evidence given here.
Terms / Practice
Usufructuary: a person entitled to use and enjoy property without holding full ownership. Tutor: a legal guardian. Feu-farm: heritable tenure for a fixed return.
Source: RMS V, charter 1114, p. 369; witness evidence from the underlying charter dated 21 November 1546. HathiTrust image 377.
Charter 1250 · Ninian Guthrie of Kingennie
Document Focus
The confirmation concerns an annual-rent transaction involving the Gray and Kinnaird families. In the original charter executed at Foulis on 1 May 1573, Ninian Guthrie of Kingennie (Niniano Guthrie de Kingennie) appears among the witnesses.
Why This Record Matters
The territorial designation securely identifies Ninian with Kingennie and places him within a witness network involving the Gray and Kinnaird families in the Perthshire-Angus region.
Genealogical Caution
The charter itself records Ninian as a witness and does not provide his parentage, spouse or succession. Those relationships should be drawn from separate evidence rather than inferred from the witness list.
Terms / Practice
Annual rent: a recurring payment secured upon lands or property. Special warranty: specifically designated property pledged to secure the grant. Conjunct infeftment: joint heritable possession.
Source: RMS V, charter 1250, p. 418; underlying charter dated 1 May 1573. HathiTrust image 426.
Charter 1299 · Master David Guthrie in Kinnaird
Document Focus
Master Andrew Moncreiff, commendator of Elcho, and the convent confirmed and newly granted the lands of Kinnaird in Fife to George Barroun of Kinnaird and his wife Elizabeth Lermonth.
The precept of sasine was directed to Master David Guthrie in Kinnaird, placing him in a formal role connected with delivery of legal possession.
Why This Record Matters
The charter documents Master David Guthrie in a legal-property setting in Fife. The Index Nominum groups this same Master David with the man later recorded in Nauchtane in Charter 2260, providing a useful recurring identity across Volume V.
Territorial Caution
“In Kinnaird” describes David’s association or residence there; it does not style him proprietor of Kinnaird. The lands granted in this charter belonged to the Barroun transaction.
Terms / Practice
Precept of sasine: a writ directing a person to deliver formal legal possession of land. Conjunct infeftment: joint heritable holding, usually with survivorship.
Source: RMS V, charter 1299, p. 438; underlying charter dated 18 May 1587. HathiTrust image 446. The Index Nominum groups Master David’s appearances in Kinnaird and Nauchtane.
Charter 1344 · Andrew Guthrie in Idvie & Alexander of Crawquhy-mylne
Document Focus
The King granted lands and associated rights at Tullochis and Crawquhy to Master Thomas Lyon of Balduky.
Within the preceding title, Andrew Guthrie in Idvie and Alexander Guthrie of Crawquhy-mylne, his son and apparent heir, are identified in connection with the mill of Crawquhy, its pertinents and teinds, which they had held of the monastery of Arbroath and resigned in favor of the new grant.
Why This Record Matters
The charter gives a direct father-son relationship and a precise territorial association: Andrew Guthrie in Idvie → Alexander Guthrie of Crawquhy-mylne. It also shows the family holding mill and teind interests within the Arbroath regality.
Property Caution
The charter also names David Gardin of Leys and his son in the resignation of the lands. The Guthrie evidence should therefore be stated more narrowly: Andrew and Alexander are tied specifically to the mill, its pertinents and teinds, rather than being treated as proprietors of every land named in the royal grant.
Terms / Practice
Multures: dues owed to a mill. Sequels: associated milling obligations or customary dues. Teinds: tithes. Resignation: formal surrender of a right or holding so that it could be regranted.
Source: RMS V, charter 1344, p. 465. HathiTrust image 473.
Charter 1366 · Hiltoun de Guthrie & the Fultoun/Hiltoun Family
Document Focus
The King granted to Master Walter Lindsay of Balgavies the lands and barony of Balgavies together with Hiltoun de Guthrie and Langlandis, expressly described as lying within the barony of Guthrie, along with additional lands and rights.
The printed supplementary note records an adjoining occupier as a lawful son of the late John Guthrie of Fultoun. The Index Nominum identifies that son as Alexander Guthrie.
Why This Record Matters
The record combines two kinds of evidence. First, it confirms Hiltoun de Guthrie as a territorial component of the wider barony of Guthrie. Second, the editorial indexing links Alexander Guthrie as son of the late John Guthrie of Fultoun.
Fultoun and Hiltoun
The wording deserves to be preserved carefully. The Index Nominum prints “Fultoun (Hiltoun ?)”, while the Index Locorum places Haltoun / Fultoun under Hiltoun de Guthrie. The volume’s own editors therefore associate the forms, but the recorded form Fultoun should not simply disappear from the evidence.
Territorial Practice
A place could lie geographically within a barony while its property or superiority was held separately. Charter 1366 should therefore be read together with Charter 637, which had already distinguished Hiltoun from the main-line grant of the barony of Guthrie.
Source: RMS V, charter 1366, p. 471. HathiTrust image 479. Identification of Alexander and the Fultoun/Hiltoun comparison are preserved from the volume’s Index Nominum and Index Locorum.
Detailed Records · September 1587–August 1589
These records include four appearances in the Volume V sequence of Mariot Guthrie and Master John Lindsay, an Edinburgh and Leith professional network of Guthrie clerks and notaries, another dated appearance of the younger Alexander Guthrie apparent of that Ilk, territorial evidence for Hiltoun de Guthrie, and the royal remission that records the killing of Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk in 1587.
Charter 1371 · Mariot Guthrie & Master John Lindsay
Document Focus
The King sold to Master John Lindsay, rector of Menmure and one of the senators of the College of Justice, and Mariot Guthrie his wife, a substantial annual rent drawn from the feu-farms and duties of the lands and mill of Balcarhous in Fife.
The annual return included grain, money, capons and poultry, with an additional right connected with coal. The charter states that Mariot already held a liferent interest in Balcarhous.
John and Mariot were to hold jointly, with survivorship, followed by their lawful male heirs, until redemption of the annual rent.
Why This Record Matters
The charter gives direct marriage evidence and shows Mariot Guthrie exercising a significant legal and economic interest in Fife property. It is the first of four Volume V entries grouped together for Mariot and John Lindsay by the Index Nominum.
Property Context
This charter concerns an annual rent secured upon Balcarhous. The distinction between ownership of the lands themselves and the right to receive rents and duties from them should be preserved.
Terms / Practice
Annual rent: a recurring payment secured on land. Liferent: a lifetime interest. Conjunct infeftment: joint heritable possession with survivorship. College of Justice: Scotland’s supreme civil court, the Court of Session.
Source: RMS V, charter 1371, p. 473. HathiTrust image 481.
Charter 1512 · Mariot Guthrie & the Sunny Half of Balmakin
Document Focus
The King ratified a charter made by Alexander Balbirnie of Inverichty, with the consent of his wife Margaret Dishington and his mother Margaret Gray, to Master John Lindsay, rector of Menmure and senator of the College of Justice, and Mariot Guthrie his wife.
The grant concerned the sunny half of Balmakin, in the regality of St Andrews and sheriffdom of Fife. John and Mariot were to hold the lands jointly and the longer liver of them, followed by their lawful children; failing such issue, succession passed to John’s lawful nearest heirs and assignees.
The annual feu-duty was 10 shillings, with the feu-duty doubled on entry of heirs.
Why This Record Matters
This is direct property evidence for Mariot herself rather than a passing spousal reference. Her rights were built into the conjunct infeftment, survivorship and succession clauses.
Sequence
The Index Nominum groups Mariot’s appearances in 1371, 1512, 1724 and 2100, allowing these separate transactions to be followed as one continuing Lindsay–Guthrie property sequence.
Terms / Practice
Sunny half: the south- or sun-facing half of a divided holding. Conjunct infeftment: joint heritable title with survivorship. Doubling: payment of a doubled feu-duty on the entry of an heir.
Source: RMS V, charter 1512, p. 518. HathiTrust image 526.
Charter 1517 · Guthries in Edinburgh & Leith Administration
Document Focus
The charter preserves an instrument of sasine subscribed by Alexander Guthrie, royal notary public and clerk of the community of the burgh of Edinburgh.
Among the witnesses were Master David Guthrie, servant of Alexander Guthrie, and John Guthrie, clerk of the town of Leith. The sasine was delivered on 15 January 1585.
Why This Record Matters
Three Guthrie men appear together in clearly stated professional roles across Edinburgh and Leith. The record documents a substantial Guthrie presence in burgh administration and notarial practice outside the family’s Angus landholding context.
Identity Caution
Their shared surname and professional association do not establish kinship. The Index Nominum groups Master Alexander Guthrie with his later appearances in Charters 1665 and 2100, but lists Master David and John separately.
Terms / Practice
Sasine: formal delivery of possession. Instrument of sasine: the authenticated written record of that possession. Common clerk / clerk of the community: an official burgh clerk. Free burgage: urban tenure held under burgh law.
Source: RMS V, charter 1517, p. 521; sasine instrument dated 15 January 1585. HathiTrust image 529.
Charter 1545 · Christine Guthrie & George Abernethy of Naterdul
Document Focus
The King granted the lands and barony of Naterdul to Master George Abernethy of Naterdul and Christine Guthrie his wife, and the longer liver of them in liferent.
The succession was directed to Alexander Abernethy, their lawful eldest son, and his male heirs, with further male-heir provisions. Free tenement was reserved to Margaret Gordon, George’s mother.
Why This Record Matters
The charter directly establishes Christine Guthrie’s marriage to George Abernethy and identifies their eldest son Alexander. Christine also received a formal liferent interest in a substantial landed barony.
Genealogical Caution
Christine’s own Guthrie parentage is not stated. Her placement in a particular Guthrie branch requires evidence outside this charter.
Terms / Practice
Liferent: a lifetime right of possession or income. Free tenement: a reserved lifetime interest. Resignation: surrender of title to a superior so that the property could be granted under new terms.
Source: RMS V, charter 1545, p. 529. HathiTrust image 537.
Charter 1550 · Alexander Guthrie, Apparent of that Ilk
Document Focus
The King confirmed an earlier matrimonial property charter concerning the Ramsay family and the lands of Ardowny.
The original charter, executed at Ardowny on 1 July 1566, names Alexander Guthrie, apparent of that Ilk among the witnesses.
Why This Record Matters
The territorial style identifies this Alexander specifically as the younger main-line Alexander. The Index Nominum separates him from Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk and links him with Charter 637, where he is expressly identified as the son of the elder Alexander.
Chronology
Although the royal confirmation belongs to 1588, the actual appearance of Alexander as apparent of that Ilk dates to 1566. The earlier date is important when reconstructing the main-line succession.
Terms / Practice
Apparent of that Ilk: the designated heir or successor of the principal Guthrie estate. Matrimonial contract: an agreement governing marriage-related property and financial arrangements.
Source: RMS V, charter 1550, p. 531; underlying charter dated 1 July 1566. HathiTrust image 539.
Charter 1591 · Hiltoun de Guthrie & Guthrie as Boundary Places
Document Focus
The King confirmed a grant to David Wood, second son of Patrick Wood of Bonnyton and Nicola Wardlaw, covering the moor of Montrewmonth, Muremylnes and a series of associated tofts, crofts and pasture rights.
Within the boundary descriptions, Quhytefaillis is located from the east side of Hiltoun de Guthrie, while Lawnansyde is described as lying between Kinnell, Guthrie, the water of Lownand and the moor.
Why This Record Matters
Charter 1591 documents Hiltoun de Guthrie and Guthrie as established geographic reference points in the late-sixteenth-century Angus landscape. Together with Charters 637 and 1366, it helps define the territorial relationship between Hiltoun, Guthrie and the surrounding Montrewmonth lands.
Evidence Caution
No person surnamed Guthrie appears in this record. Guthrie and Hiltoun de Guthrie function solely as place and boundary names. The charter is therefore retained for territorial context rather than personal genealogy.
Terms / Practice
Toft: a house site or building plot. Croft: an enclosed smallholding associated with a dwelling or settlement. Moor: common or uncultivated ground used for pasture, turf, heather and other resources.
Source: RMS V, charter 1591, pp. 543–544. HathiTrust images 551–552. The Index Locorum indexes both Guthrie and Hiltoun de Guthrie under this charter.
Charter 1665 · Master Alexander Guthrie, Edinburgh Common Clerk
Document Focus
The charter confirmed a feu transaction concerning an Edinburgh tenement and the associated instrument of sasine.
The sasine, delivered on 14 August 1587, carries the attestation of Master Alexander Guthrie, scribe of the community of the burgh of Edinburgh and royal notary public.
Why This Record Matters
This entry continues the documented professional career of the Master Alexander Guthrie already encountered in Charter 1517. The Index Nominum groups his appearances in 1517, 1665 and 2100.
Chronology
The royal confirmation is dated 1589, but Alexander’s actual attestation belongs to the 1587 sasine. Both dates are useful: one for the RMS entry and one for his professional activity.
Terms / Practice
Attestation: formal authentication of an instrument. Scribe of the community: official clerk of the burgh. Royal notary public: a notary acting under royal authority.
Source: RMS V, charter 1665, p. 570; sasine dated 14 August 1587. HathiTrust image 578.
Charter 1682 · The Slaughter of Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk
Document Focus
The King granted letters of remission to Thomas Gardyn in Bandoch for his art and part in the slaughter of Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk.
The register states that the killing occurred in 1587; the month is left unspecified in the printed abstract.
Why This Record Matters
This is direct evidence that Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk was killed in 1587. The Index Nominum groups this Alexander with Charter 637, distinguishing him from the younger Alexander who was styled apparent of that Ilk.
Evidence Caution
The remission establishes the killing, Thomas Gardyn’s involvement, and the year 1587. It does not, by itself, explain the motive, reconstruct a feud, identify every participant, or give the precise date of death. Those questions require other sources.
Terms / Practice
Letters of remission: a royal pardon for an offence. Art and part: Scots legal wording indicating participation in an offence as principal or accessory. De eodem: “of the same,” here “of that Ilk.”
Source: RMS V, charter 1682, p. 578. HathiTrust image 586.
Detailed Records · October 1589–April 1593
The final group carries several recurring people and families toward the close of Volume V: Mariot Guthrie and John Lindsay acquire and consolidate substantial Fife property; Balnabreich is divided between Guthrie portioners and partly transferred to the Carnegies; David Guthrie appears with a specific feu relationship to Hiltoun; James Guthrie senior of Balnabreich and Master David Guthrie reappear together as witnesses; and Robert Guthrie of Kinblathmont closes his four-record sequence with another documented land interest.
Charter 1702 · Robert Guthrie, Servitor to the Earl of Crawford
Document Focus
The King confirmed a charter of David, Earl of Crawford and Lord Lindsay, concerning the sale and impignoration of the lands of Schangie in the barony of Inverqueich to William Fullarton of Ardo.
Among the witnesses to the underlying instrument was Robert Guthrie, servitor of the Earl of Crawford.
Why This Record Matters
Robert’s designation identifies a specific service relationship with the powerful Lindsay earls of Crawford. It adds a household or retainer context to the variety of Guthrie roles preserved in Volume V.
Identity Caution
No territorial designation or kinship is supplied for Robert Guthrie. He should not be identified with Robert Guthrie of Kinblathmont merely because both men appear in the same volume.
Terms / Practice
Servitor: a servant, officer or retainer attached to another person’s household or service. Impignoration: the pledging or mortgaging of land as security.
Source: RMS V, charter 1702, p. 584. HathiTrust image 592.
Charter 1724 · Mariot Guthrie & the Lands of Inverdovat
Document Focus
The King confirmed a charter by Master William Scott, scribe of the College of Justice, selling the lands of Inverdovat and associated property to Master John Lindsay, rector of Menmure and senator of the College of Justice, and Mariot Guthrie his wife.
John and Mariot were to hold in conjunct infeftment, followed by their lawful children and, failing them, John’s heirs and assignees.
Why This Record Matters
This is the third of the four Volume V records grouped by the Index Nominum for Mariot Guthrie. It adds Inverdovat to the couple’s documented property interests and again gives Mariot direct legal rights within the grant.
Sequence
Read with Charters 1371, 1512 and 2100, this entry shows a continuing sequence of property arrangements involving the same married couple rather than four unrelated appearances of a similarly named woman.
Terms / Practice
Conjunct infeftment: joint heritable possession, generally including survivorship between spouses. Blench farm: nominal feudal rent, here one penny.
Source: RMS V, charter 1724, pp. 590–591; associated contract dated 6 November 1589. HathiTrust images 598–599.
Charter 2100 · The Lindsay–Guthrie Family & Barony of Balneill
Document Focus
The King confirmed to Master John Lindsay, rector of Menmure, and Mariot Guthrie his wife, and the longer liver of them in liferent, an extensive complex of Fife lands.
These included Balneill with its coal workings, the lands and mill of Balcarhous, and Balmakin, together with associated mills, multures, coal rights, revenues and obligations. The lands were incorporated into the free barony of Balneill.
Their lawful eldest son and heir, John Lindsay, received the heritable succession, with further provisions naming additional sons including David, Alexander and Robert.
Why This Record Matters
This is the strongest single Volume V record for the Lindsay–Guthrie household. It combines direct marriage evidence, substantial landed interests and named children within one succession settlement.
Mariot’s Name in the Record
The principal entry and Index Nominum identify her as Mariota/Mariot Guthrie. The RMS editor notes that individual clauses elsewhere in the charter call her Margareta and Marjoria. These are textual name variants within the same document, not evidence for additional Guthrie wives.
Terms / Practice
Liferent: lifetime enjoyment of property or its revenues. Fee: the heritable interest passing to successors. Free barony: lands formally incorporated into a baronial unit. Tutors and curators: legal guardians acting for a minor.
Source: RMS V, charter 2100, pp. 716–717. HathiTrust images 724–725. The Index Nominum groups Mariot’s appearances in Charters 1371, 1512, 1724 and 2100.
Charter 2118 · The Two Halves of Balnabreich
Document Focus
The King confirmed the charter of the late Andrew Guthrie, portioner of Balnabreich, and Margaret Guthrie his wife, by which they sold to John Carnegie of that Ilk in liferent and his son Robert Carnegie heritably the western half of Balnabreich.
The sale included the whole fortalice, gardens, mill, mill-lands, multures and sequels belonging to that portion. The western half is expressly distinguished from the eastern half belonging to James Guthrie.
Why This Record Matters
Charter 2118 documents an actual physical and proprietary division of Balnabreich between Guthrie interests. It identifies Andrew as a portioner, names Margaret Guthrie as his wife, and places James Guthrie in possession of the eastern half.
Chronology & Identity
The royal confirmation of 1 July 1592 describes Andrew as late or deceased, while the incorporated charter is dated 28 April 1592. The Index Nominum groups the James Guthrie named here with James of Balnabreich in Charter 730 and James senior of Balnabreich in Charter 2260.
Terms / Practice
Portioner: a co-owner holding a defined share of a larger property. Fortalice: a fortified residence. Forinsec service: external feudal service, including military obligations.
Source: RMS V, charter 2118, p. 724; underlying charter dated 28 April 1592. HathiTrust image 732.
Charter 2175 · Andrew Guthrie in Aberdeen
Document Focus
This exceptionally large grant to the Earl Marischal and his eldest son incorporates a long catalogue of properties, burgage holdings, neighboring owners, tenants and occupants across Aberdeen and a much wider northeastern territory.
Within the property descriptions appears Andrew Guthrie in an adjoining-owner or occupier context. The printed material also contains another surname-only Guthrie occurrence within the long list.
Why This Record Matters
The entry provides another dated Guthrie presence in Aberdeen’s urban and property network. The Index Nominum specifically identifies Andrew Guthrie of Aberdeen under Charter 2175.
Identity Caution
The additional surname-only occurrence should not be converted into a second identifiable Guthrie individual. The personal-name index singles out Andrew, while the surviving abbreviated property list does not provide enough information to identify the other occurrence independently.
Reading Large Property Grants
Names embedded in boundary and adjoining-owner lists usually identify local holders, tenants or neighbors rather than parties to the principal grant. Such references are valuable for reconstructing urban geography but must be interpreted according to their actual documentary role.
Source: RMS V, charter 2175, pp. 742–745. HathiTrust images 750–754. The Index Nominum indexes Andrew Guthrie at this charter.
Charter 2251 · David Guthrie, Lord of the Feu of Hiltoun
Document Focus
The King confirmed an earlier charter concerning the sale of Abdene-Caithnes in the barony of Rescobie by David Beaton of Melgund to his kinswoman Lucretia Beaton.
Among the witnesses at Edinburgh on 9 February 1575 was David Guthrie, dominus feodi de Hiltoun — lord or holder of the feu of Hiltoun.
Why This Record Matters
Unlike a simple “in Hiltoun” designation, the wording ties David to a specific feu right in Hiltoun. It is therefore important evidence for the tenure history of Hiltoun and the Eassie–Hiltoun family.
Tenure Caution
The phrase describes David’s feu interest and should not be expanded into broader claims about superiority or ownership beyond what the record states. Other Volume V records show that Hiltoun’s geographical inclusion in the barony of Guthrie and its actual property or superiority could be distinct questions.
Terms / Practice
Dominus feodi: literally lord or holder of the feu. Feu: heritable tenure held from a superior for specified duties or rent. Cane: a customary rent or payment, sometimes made in kind.
Source: RMS V, charter 2251, p. 769; underlying charter dated 9 February 1575. HathiTrust image 777.
Charter 2260 · James Guthrie Senior of Balnabreich & Master David Guthrie
Document Focus
The King confirmed a charter by George Barroun of Kinnaird concerning the sale of a half-share of the lands of Glasmount in Fife to William Kirkcaldy.
Witnesses to the underlying charter at Edinburgh on 9 June 1592 included James Guthrie senior of Balnabreich and Master David Guthrie in Nauchtane.
Why This Record Matters
James’s designation as senior of Balnabreich strengthens the sequence already represented by Charters 730 and 2118. Master David’s appearance is equally useful because the Index Nominum groups him with Master David Guthrie in Kinnaird from Charter 1299.
Identity & Territorial Caution
“In Nauchtane” is a locative designation rather than proof that Master David owned Nauchtane. Likewise, James’s designation identifies him with Balnabreich but the witness role itself does not define the full extent of his property there.
Terms / Practice
Senior: used here to distinguish James from another person of the same name or generation. Ward service: feudal service associated with military tenure. Quitclaim: formal renunciation of a legal claim.
Source: RMS V, charter 2260, p. 771; underlying charter dated 9 June 1592. HathiTrust image 779. The Index Nominum groups James across Charters 730, 2118 and 2260, and Master David across Charters 1299 and 2260.
Charter 2279 · Robert Guthrie of Kinblathmont
Document Focus
The King newly granted to Alexander, Lord Spynie, and Jean Lyon, Countess of Angus, a group of lands in the lordship and regality of Arbroath, including Auchtmuthie, Grange of Conan, Burnetoun and Newtoun of Arbroath.
In the title history, John Carnegie resigned certain lands with the consent of Robert Guthrie of Kinblathmont for his interest.
Why This Record Matters
The consent clause demonstrates that Robert retained a legally recognized interest that had to be acknowledged in the resignation. It is his fourth indexed appearance in Volume V, following Charters 868, 923 and 1094.
Property Caution
The words “for his interest” confirm a legal stake, but the abbreviated entry does not justify assigning every property named in the grant to Robert. His interest should be stated without extending it beyond the wording of the charter.
Terms / Practice
For his interest: a formula recognizing that a person’s existing legal right or claim required consent. Resignation: formal surrender of land or rights so they could be regranted. Conjunct infeftment: joint heritable possession with survivorship.
Source: RMS V, charter 2279, p. 780. HathiTrust image 788. The Index Nominum groups Robert Guthrie of Kinblathmont across Charters 868, 923, 1094 and 2279.
Recurring People, Families & Offices
Volume V is especially valuable when individual charter references are read together. The volume’s Index Nominum groups several recurring Guthries across multiple entries, while other charters state family relationships directly. The groupings below follow those explicit editorial or documentary connections rather than similarity of name alone.
Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk & His Heir
Charter 637 names Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk and his son Alexander Guthrie, apparent of that Ilk. The younger Alexander appears independently as a witness in the 1566 instrument preserved in Charter 1550. The elder Alexander is the man identified in Charter 1682 as having been killed in 1587.
Guthries of Kinblathmont
Charter 868 provides the clearest family structure: William Guthrie was father of Alexander Guthrie, while Robert Guthrie of Kinblathmont was Alexander’s nephew and heir. Robert then appears repeatedly in land transactions involving Dikmontlaw, Kinnaldie and later Arbroath-regality property interests.
Balnabreich
James Guthrie of Balnabreich appears as a witness in the earlier record, as holder of the eastern half of Balnabreich in 1592, and as James Guthrie senior of Balnabreich later that year. Charter 2118 also documents Andrew Guthrie, portioner of Balnabreich, and his wife Margaret Guthrie in connection with the western half.
Mariot Guthrie & Master John Lindsay
The index groups all four entries for Mariot Guthrie, wife of Master John Lindsay, rector of Menmure. Together they document annual rents, Balmakin, Inverdovat, Balcarhous and the barony of Balneill, culminating in a succession settlement naming several of their sons.
Master Alexander Guthrie of Edinburgh
The Index Nominum groups Master Alexander Guthrie as common clerk or scribe of Edinburgh and as a notary. His appearances document sustained participation in the legal and administrative life of the capital.
In Charter 1517 he is accompanied by Master David Guthrie, his servant, and John Guthrie, clerk of Leith. Their association is documentary, but no kinship is stated.
Master David Guthrie: Kinnaird & Nauchtane
The index groups Master David Guthrie in Kinnaird with Master David Guthrie in Nauchtane. In Charter 1299 he receives a precept of sasine; in Charter 2260 he appears as a witness beside James Guthrie senior of Balnabreich.
Colliston
Charter 1104 records John Guthrie in Colliston and Isobel Ogilvy his wife in the 1545 feu of Colliston, Ruffis, Park of Conan and Guthrieshill. Charter 1105 identifies John Guthrie as son and apparent heir of Henry Guthrie of Colliston and grants him hereditary offices in the Arbroath regality.
Idvie & Crawquhy-mylne
Charter 1344 directly identifies Andrew Guthrie in Idvie and Alexander Guthrie of Crawquhy-mylne, his son and apparent heir. Their interest is specifically connected with the mill of Crawquhy, its pertinents and teinds.
Hiltoun / Fultoun
Hiltoun appears repeatedly as a territorial unit connected with the wider barony of Guthrie but capable of separate tenure or superiority. Charter 1366 preserves John Guthrie of Fultoun and his lawful son, whom the Index Nominum identifies as Alexander Guthrie. Charter 2251 records David Guthrie as lord or holder of the feu of Hiltoun.
The Index Locorum places Haltoun / Fultoun under Hiltoun de Guthrie, while the personal-name index retains the editorial caution “Fultoun (Hiltoun ?)”.
Evidence basis: recurring identities follow explicit relationships in the charter text and groupings made by the RMS Volume V Index Nominum. Geographic forms are compared with the Index Locorum. Index grouping is treated as editorial evidence and is not rewritten as wording found directly in a charter.
Supplementary Surname References
The Index Nominum gives Gothray (Goutthray; cf. Guthrie), while the Guthrie entry reciprocally directs the reader to cf. Gothray. Because cf. means “compare” rather than declaring the names identical, these three records are retained separately and are not counted among the 31 definite Guthrie entries.
Charter 460 · David Gothray in Drumcairne
David Gothray in Drumcairne appears as a witness in the underlying documentary material. The surname should be preserved as Gothray rather than silently normalized to Guthrie.
Charter 770 · John Gothray & Jonet Ireland
John Gothray and his wife Jonet Ireland occur in a feu-farm grant of a third part of Kirktoun of Blair. This is a direct personal Gothray record, but the RMS index does not place John under Guthrie.
Charter 2048 · The Late Patrick Goutthray
Patrick appears as “umquhile Patrick Goutthray” in the editor’s note listing adjoining owners named in the full charter. His role is therefore a deceased former or neighboring proprietor within the property description rather than a principal grantee or witness.
Index source: RMS V, Index Nominum, entry “Gothray (Goutthray; cf. Guthrie)”: David in Drumcairne, charter 460; John, charter 770; Patrick, charter 2048.
Research Pathways
The charters in Volume V can be approached as more than isolated surname references. Read in groups, they illuminate succession, marriage, landholding, professional careers and the changing relationship between families and places. The pathways below point to several of the strongest lines of further research.
The Main Line: Succession & the Death of Alexander
Charter 637 places the transition from Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk to his son Alexander apparent within a formal property settlement. Charter 1550 supplies an earlier dated appearance of the younger Alexander, while Charter 1682 records the killing of the elder Alexander in 1587.
Colliston: Marriage, Succession & Hereditary Office
The two Colliston entries complement one another unusually well. One preserves John Guthrie in Colliston and Isobel Ogilvy within the 1545 feu; the other identifies Henry Guthrie of Colliston and John as his son and apparent heir, together with hereditary offices in the Arbroath regality.
Balnabreich: Partition, Portioners & Sale
James Guthrie appears over an extended documentary span, while Charter 2118 shows Balnabreich physically divided into eastern and western halves. Andrew Guthrie and Margaret Guthrie dispose of the western portion to the Carnegies, while the eastern half is identified with James.
Hiltoun / Fultoun: Place, Feu & Superiority
Hiltoun is especially useful for demonstrating that geographic inclusion, ownership, feu possession and superiority are not the same thing. The records place Hiltoun within the barony of Guthrie, associate Fultoun with Hiltoun in the indexes, and identify David Guthrie as holder of the feu.
Kingennie: Ninian Guthrie in the Regional Network
Ninian Guthrie of Kingennie appears as a witness in an earlier Gray–Kinnaird transaction. Although the record does not supply family relationships, his territorial designation makes it a secure reference point for the Kingennie branch.
Kinblathmont: Family Structure & Land Activity
Charter 868 supplies the crucial genealogical structure: William was father of Alexander, and Robert was Alexander’s nephew and heir. The later records then follow Robert through a series of purchases, sales and legal interests.
Mariot Guthrie & John Lindsay: A Fife Property Portfolio
Four records document the same married couple across Balcarhous, Balmakin, Inverdovat and Balneill. Mariot repeatedly receives direct property rights, and Charter 2100 names several of the couple’s sons.
Edinburgh, Leith & Aberdeen: Guthries Beyond the Lairdships
Master Alexander Guthrie served as Edinburgh common clerk and royal notary; John Guthrie was clerk of Leith; Master David Guthrie appears within Alexander’s professional circle; and Andrew Guthrie appears in Aberdeen property context.
Themes That Cross Family Lines
Women as Property Holders
Isobel Ogilvy, Elizabeth Guthrie, Mariot Guthrie, Christine Guthrie and Margaret Guthrie appear within conjunct infeftments, liferents, sales and succession provisions. These are legal interests in property, not merely mentions as wives.
Earlier Deeds Inside Later Confirmations
Several 1580s–1590s RMS entries preserve instruments dating back to 1507, 1545, 1546, 1554, 1558, 1566, 1573, 1575 and 1578. Those embedded dates extend the genealogical value of Volume V far beyond its printed chronological range.
Places as Evidence
Guthrie, Hiltoun de Guthrie, Guthrieshill, Balnabreich, Kinblathmont and other territorial names help reconstruct the physical setting of family history, but a place-name alone should never be treated as proof of a person or lineage.
Terms, Sources & Access
The Register of the Great Seal uses a specialized vocabulary of feudal tenure, inheritance, royal administration and Scots legal practice. The terms below occur repeatedly in the Guthrie entries in Volume V.
A person recognized as the expected or designated successor. The expression should not automatically be replaced with “son” unless the document also states that relationship.
Tenure for a nominal return, often a silver penny or similarly symbolic payment.
Joint heritable possession, commonly granted to spouses with survivorship provisions.
Heritable tenure held from a superior for a fixed annual rent, duties or services.
A right to possess property or receive its income for the lifetime of the holder.
A writ authorizing delivery of legal possession of land to the person entitled to receive it.
A person holding a defined share or portion of lands jointly divided among multiple proprietors.
The clause specifying the rent, services or other return owed for possession of the lands.
Formal surrender of a property right to the superior so that the land could be regranted under new terms.
Formal legal delivery of possession. An instrument of sasine records that act and may preserve witnesses, officers and local details not repeated elsewhere.
The feudal superior’s legal interest in land. Holding the superiority does not necessarily mean occupying or possessing the property itself.
“Late” or deceased. The term can be important for narrowing the date of death of an individual named in a later instrument.
How to Read an RMS Reference
Charter Number
The numbered RMS entry is the most reliable reference for locating the record across different copies or digital scans. On this page, Charter 637 is linked by the stable anchor rms5-637, Charter 1512 by rms5-1512, and so forth.
Printed Page
The printed page number belongs to the published RMS volume. It is not necessarily the same as the image number shown by a digitization platform.
Digital Image Number
HathiTrust and other repositories may identify a scan by image or sequence number. That number is a navigation aid for that digital copy rather than the charter number or printed page.
Primary Source & Digital Access
Published Volume
Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum: The Register of the Great Seal of Scotland, Volume V, A.D. 1580–1593.
Edited by John Maitland Thomson.
Edinburgh, 1888.
HathiTrust Digital Copy
Open RMS Volume V at HathiTrust →
The individual record links throughout this page open the relevant HathiTrust image whenever a stable sequence link is available.
Internet Archive
Open RMS Volume V at Internet Archive →
This copy provides another way to browse, search and download the published volume.
Using the Published Abstracts
RMS entries are abstracts of registered charters and associated instruments. A confirmation may incorporate or summarize an earlier charter, resignation, precept or sasine.
Where the original instrument survives, it may contain fuller witness lists, boundary clauses, occupations or relationships than appear in the printed abstract.
Related Guthrie Genealogy Research
These records are presented as a research finding aid as well as a genealogical resource. Readers are encouraged to follow the charter links, compare the personal and place indexes, and consult the underlying archival instruments whenever they survive.