Genealogy of the families of Douglas of Mulderg and Robertson of Kindeace

VI. PREFATORY NOTICE.
Regarding the origin of the Clan Robertson, nothing has been said, as it has
been considered better to begin that genealogy from a distinct and clear ancestor,
rather than to try and find the name of their progenitor through a mist of years,
which has allowed even great authorities to arrange the Robertson origin according
to fancy, and to carry them down, unsupported by contemporary evidence, until
a firm foothold could be found. The remote origins, through a string of names,
given to Clans may be pleasing to some people on account of great antiquity, bub
to those who think about genealogies these wild flights of speculation or romance
make a work absurd, and cast suspicion and doubt on the portions treating of a
later date, which are probably really honest and worthy of credence.
Sincere and grateful thanks are due to the following for their kindness in
giving information : — Sir James D. Mackenzie, Bart, of Scatwell and Tarbat ;
Charles Fraser-Mackintosh, Esq. of Drummond ; George Mackay, Esq., M.D.,
Edinburgh ; Charles Robertson, Esq. of Kindeace ; Mrs Robertson of Chilcote ;
Miss Mary Eleanor Robertson ; Mrs Douglas of The Rock, Isle of Man ; William
Munro, Esq. of Balerno ; A. A. Bethune-Baker, Esq. ; George Bain, Esq. of Rose-
bank, Nairn ; Alexander Bain, Esq., Gilgarren ; The Rev. A. W. Cornelius Hallen,
of Alloa, Editor of "Northern Notes and Queries"; Raymond Thine Berthon,
Esq., and many others who have given invaluable assistance. The late Mrs
Balfour-Melville of Pilrig and Straith Kennes was also most kind in lending her
papers, which contained the result of continued research for genealogical inform-
ation regarding her own family, their ancestors and connections.
The orthography of the names of persons and places, in printing from the^e
MSS., has been strictly followed. Since going into press some further information
has been forthcoming, which is given in Addenda I. and II.; also several errors are
rectified in the Corrigenda.
A. M. ROSS & CO