The Scotts of Balwearie - by Carol Clark Johnson - Vredenburgh

1lOalllJearp.
Arms: Argent, three lions' heads, erased gules.
I SIR MICHAEL SCOTT, a man of property and power in the
county of Fife, flourished in the reign of King William
who succeeded to the crown of Scotland anna 1165. He
was the first to bear the name of Scott as a surname;
and he married Margaret, the daughter of Duncan _Syras.
by whom he had a son Duncan, hisheir. There doubtless
were other children whose names are not known. This is
true as well for the generations that follow. (3)
II DUNCAN SCOTT confirmed· his father's donation to the
monastery of Dumferline, which was also confirmed by
King Alexander II in 1231. Duncan had two known sons,
and was succeeded by his elder son, Sir Michael, his
heir. Gilbert, second son, was a witness named in a
charter of Alexander, Earl of Buchan, anna 1236.
III SIR MICHAEL SCOTT had the honor of knighthood conferred
upon him by Alexander II and was one of the assize. Sir
Michael married Margaret, the daughter and sale heiress
of Sir Richard Balwearie, with whom he acquired the
lands and barony of Balwearie in County Fife. Their
son Michael succeeded. The name of this ancient family
is usually spelled Balwearie (bal-ware-ee). The heraldic
shield of Baron Richard Balwearie was silver in
color and emblazoned with three lions I heads in red,
erased (cut off at the neck with a jagged cut). (4)
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