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 COMMIT THY WORK TO GOD Clan Crest © Art Pewter Silver Ltd, East Kilbride, Scotland |
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It is generally thought that the clan Sinclair originated from St.Clair-Sur-Elle in Normandy. The clan is first reported in the area of Midlothian in the 12th century where it had been granted the Barony of Roslin. However, through marriage the family also came into the earldom of Orkney and in the 13th century also gained lands in Caithness.
This resulted in the Chief of the clan at that time splitting his lands between his two sons: the elder received lands Ravenscraig in Fife which had been given to the family to compensate for the loss of lands in Caithness, with the Barony of Roslin going to the younger son. Although the name Sinclair became more general about then, the Roslin branch of the family continued to be called St Clair.
Sir Henry of Roslin supported Bruce and signed the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320. The Earls of Sinclair were a feuding family both with their neighbours and within the family. In fact the 4th Earl had his son imprisoned because he believed that he had murdered his brother. He subsequently starved to death while still imprisoned. Much of the Caithness land had to be sold off to cover debts. Rights to remaining land were disputed within the family and led to a battle with the Campbells, near Wick. Sinclair losses were great. Some of the clan were involved in the 1715 uprising. In 1745, 500 of the Sinclairs took arms to support Prince Charles but were subsequently disbanded when news of the defeat at Culloden reached them. |