The Johnstone or Johnston name is a simple patronymic (the spelling indicates no real difference, though the 'e' is less frequent in north than south). The clan was at one time among the most powerful of the Borders clans. The first recorded of the family was John Johnstone, a 12th-century holder of Annandale lands under the Bruces. A turbulent Border clan - hardly the 'Gentle Johnstones' to their Maxwell and Douglas rivals - they were frequently appointed Wardens of the West March, hence their motto 'Never Unprepared' ('Aye Ready').
James Johnstone, the chief of the clan, was created Lord Johnstone of Lochwood by Charles I in 1633. ten years later, he was made Earl of Hartfell, a title designated to him and his heirs male only. He suffered many hardships for the royal cause and was recompensed by Charles II who made him Earl of Annandale and Hartfell, a charter in 1662 erecting the land into a territorial earldom entailed to their male and female heirs.
William, the 3rd earl was a strong apponent of the Union of 1707. Prior to that another Annandale Johnstone, Lord Warriston, had brought fame to the name by drawing up the National Covenant of 1637, and although he did come to a ghastly end at the hangman's noose, his son became Secretary of State for Scotland and led an inquiry into the Glencoe massacre.
In 1792 the family titles became dormant and the estates devolved. Unsuccessful attempts were made in the 19th century to revive the Annandale titles but in 1982 Major Percy Johnstone of Annandale was recognised as baron of the lands of the earldom of Annandale and Hartfell and of the lordship of Johnstone. In 1985 the case was presented to the House of Lords, who found in favour of Major Percy's son, Patrick, Earl of Annandale and Hartfell and chief of the name and arms of Johnstone.
