The Clan
Innes is of ancient origin and descends from Berowald who was granted the Barony of Innes
by Malcolm IV in 1160. His grandson, Sir Walter of Innes was the first to use the name and
received a charter of confirmation from Alexander II in 1226. Alexander, 9th of Innes
married Janet, daughter of the last Thane of Aberchirder, and acquired her lands, hence
the Innes continued to extend their estates and the family prospered and grew. Sir James,
12th of Innes was chief esquire to James III and entertained James IV at Innes Castle in
1490. Sir Robert, 20th chief was made a baronet by Charles II in 1625, whom he later
received at the Port of Garmouth which he founded in 1650. Sir James, 6th Baronet and 25th
Chief sold the lands of Innes to the Earl of Fife in 1767 and went to reside in England,
only to return to Scotland when he succeeded as 5th Duke of Roxburgh in 1805. James, 6th
Duke was created Earl Innes in 1836. Of the cadet branches the Barchets of Balvernie
descend from Walter Innes of Innermarkie, son of Sir Robert Innes, 11th of that Ilk; and
the Innes of Coxton, a branch of Innermarkie are renowned for building the remarkable
Tower of Coxton near Elgin in the 16th century. |
