Turnbull Clan Association

  • The Reivers

    A fine lot of folk... that is unless of course you happen to be English.

    Used Reiver Auld WatThe term reive is an old English word meaning to rob. Reivers were, in essence, mercenary soldiers that raided the border lands that separated Scotland from England.
    In truth there were reivers on both side of the border. From the late thirteenth century up until the end of the sixteenth, these groups raided across the border to gather the things needed to survive, or just wanted to have; sheep, cattle, horses, grain and other food stuffs, money, women and/or other prisoners that were then ransomed back. “You got something that I want. I’m coming to take it” might have been an unspoken motto amongst the reivers of the era. These raids inevitably invited retaliation from the offended personages.

  • Andrew Patron Saint of Scotland

    andrew 2Saint Andrew was Simon Peter’s brother and, like Peter, he was a fisherman. He was also a follower of John the Baptist, that is, until John pointed to Jesus saying “Behold! The Lamb of God". Andrew immediately left John and followed Jesus, knowing Him to be greater than John. After only a short time Andrew was certain that he followed the Messiah. Andrew became Jesus' first disciple. Andrew then led his brother Peter to Jesus and he too became a disciple. Andrew was one of the Twelve Apostles and a member of the inner circle of Jesus' followers.

    For a brief time after taking up with Jesus, the brothers continued their fishing trade. A short time later Jesus came to them and promised to make them fishers of men if they would follow Him full time. They did, He did, and the rest is history. Two countries name Andrew as their patron saint; Russia, and, of course, Scotland. He is the patron saint of fishermen.

  • VII. Wee Bit O’ History, Will-o-Rule

    turnbull_trails_logo

    A Wee Bit O’ History - Lifetimes of Will-o-Rule

    by Norman Turnbull
    Turnbull Clan High Shenachie

    We all know the story of Will-o-Rule but not much about his lifestyle up to the point of him saving the life of Robert The Bruce To get some idea we must look at the life of James Douglas and Robert The Bruce.

    Firstly, I would like to speak about James Douglas. I have recently read a book which was written by David R Ross called ‘’The Black Douglas.‘ He, in turn gathered his information by studying the works of John Barber, Archdeacon Of Aberdeen(1316 - 1395) who wrote a great work on Robert The Bruce, around 1370. He gave details of many of James Douglas’s exploits, allowing us an insight into the life and times of that era.

    Like many in his time, it is difficult to tell when this young man was born. His mother, Elizabeth, who was the sister of James the high Steward of Scotland (Note: the moniker ‘’Steward ‘’ would soon be corrupted to ‘’Stewart,‘’ and that family, through marriage to Bruce’s daughter, would become the ruling house of Scotland) died at the end of 1288 so it is obvious he was born before then. In 1297 he was called “a little boy” when he was required as a hostage by the English, so his birth could not have been too many years before his mother’s death.

Non-Profit Status
501(c)(3)
Borders area sites
Travel Tips
Photo Galleries
View Pictures
Bitty Bulls Games & Fun
Just for Kids