Memorials of four old families

Barony of Durris, confirmed by King Robert III., 1400. He was ancestor
of the Frasers of Durris.
Again, Alexander Forbes of Pitsligo, who had a Charter of his barony,
23rd January, 1579-80, married first Elizabeth Anderson, relict of Forbes
of Tolquhon, by whom he had a daughter Violet, married to Gilbert
Menzies of Pitfodels. A Charter was granted to Violet Forbes, natural
daughter of Alexander Forbes of Pitsligo, in her virginity by Thomas
Menzies of Pitfodels with consent of Gilbert, his son and heir apparent, of
the lands of Findon, &c, 9th June, 1571.
Sir John Gordon of Lochinvar marVied as his second wife Elizabeth
Lindsay, by whom he had 3 sons and 2 daughters : he granted a
Charter in 1500 of some lands to his second son by her, " Willielmo
Gordon, filio carnali Joannis Gordon de Lochinvar, inter ipsum et Eliza-
bethans Lindsay, sponsam suam procreato :" and in the Great Seal Register
there is a legitimation granted " Willielmo Gordon bastardo filio naturali
quondam Joannis Gordon de Lochinvar," dated 1538. — Vide Douglas and
Wood's Peerage.
It happened not unfrequently that it was discovered after several
children were born in wedlock, that their parents were within the prohibited
degrees ; dispensations were granted after as well as before marriage.
I think there is a strong presumption that Jock and Tarn were legiti-
mate.
" Jock " of Scurdargue married the daughter of Sir Patrick Maitland of
Gight, and had 3 sons, viz.: —
1. John of Auchleuchries, ancestor of Longare and Pitlurg.
2. William of Tillytarmont, ancestor of Lesmoir and Craig.
3. James, according to some ancestor of Haddo or Mcthlic.
Robert Maitland, 3rd son of Sir Robert Maitland of Thirlstance, by a
sister of Sir Robert Keith, Marischal of Scotland, who fell at the Battle of
Durham, 1346, married the heiress of Gight in Aberdeenshire, and was
ancestor of the Maitlands of Pitrichie. — Vide Douglas and Wood's Peerage
under Earl of Lauderdale.
John Gordon of Longar, who got a Charter from the Bishop of Moray
in 1539 of the lands of Pitlurg and others (see below), had the grant to him-
self, and the lawful male heirs of his body, whom failing, to William and
George Gordon, his natural sons, gotten between himself and Jonet Mait-
land, and their male heirs, and failing all these his own male heirs
whatsoever. One of the witnesses to the Charter of obligation, dated 1540,
referred to below was Sir John Maitland, Chaplain.
Jock of Scurdarg's grandfather, John de Gordon, and his great-grand-
father, Adam de Gordon, were both present at the Battle of Durham ; the
former was taken prisoner, and not released till 1357, the latter was killed.