Major Clans of the Scottish Borders

Armstrongs: The Armstrongs were a dominant force in Liddesdale and renowned for their strength and influence. They often found themselves at the heart of cross-border skirmishes with England and were integral in the Border reiving culture, where they excelled as horsemen and raiders. Their notorious leader, Kinmont Willie, epitomizes their bold and rebellious spirit.
Johnstones: Powerful in Annandale, the Johnstones were known for their strategic acumen and military prowess. Their longstanding feud with the Maxwells culminated in the brutal Battle of Dryfe Sands, showcasing their capacity for both leadership and conflict in the Borders.
Maxwells: The Maxwells, primarily based in Nithsdale, were influential in the region’s politics and conflicts. Their rivalry with the Johnstones was one of the most infamous in Scottish history, marked by a series of violent encounters and deep-seated animosity.
Scotts (of Buccleuch): The Scotts, particularly the ones from Buccleuch, were key players in the Borders. They frequently clashed with the Kerrs and were known for daring feats, like the rescue of Kinmont Willie from Carlisle Castle, underlining their valor and audacity.
Kerrs: The Kerrs, often at odds with the Scotts, were a formidable clan in the Borders. Their long-standing feud is emblematic of the intense clan rivalries of the time, often resulting in bloodshed and strategic marriages to cement power.
Douglases: The Douglases were one of Scotland’s most powerful families. In the Borders, they were involved in numerous conflicts, leveraging their influence and military might to shape the region’s destiny.
Elliots (or Elwoods): The Elliots, particularly active in Liddesdale, were renowned for their ruggedness and martial skill. They often engaged in feuds with neighboring clans like the Armstrongs and played a significant role in border reiving.
Rutherfords: The Rutherfords, though less prominent in large-scale battles, were deeply involved in the day-to-day skirmishes and feuds that characterized life in the Borders. Their local influence was significant in shaping the dynamics of the region.
Turnbulls: Known for their fierce independence, the Turnbulls were involved in various local conflicts and feuds. Their name itself, derived from a legendary act of bravery against a bull, reflects their combative nature.
Cranstouns: The Cranstouns, while less involved in major feuds, played a role in the Borders through their local influence and occasional skirmishes with neighboring clans, contributing to the intricate web of alliances and conflicts.
Charteris: The Charteris clan, holding lands in the region, were part of the broader tapestry of Border clans, involved in local politics and the occasional conflict, albeit less prominently than some of their neighbors.
Bells: The Bells were actively involved in the Borders’ clan society, participating in feuds and local disputes. They exemplified the typical Border clan, engaged in reiving and defending their territory.
Irvings: The Irvings, though not as prominent as some other clans, had a presence in the Borders and were part of the complex network of alliances and hostilities that defined the area.
Murrays: The Murrays, with their presence in the Borders, engaged in the region’s politics and conflicts. They were part of the delicate balance of power in this tumultuous area.
Grahams: Known for their involvement in various conflicts, the Grahams were part of the mosaic of Border clans, participating in feuds and raids that were common in the area.
Pringles: The Pringles held sway in parts of the Borders and were involved in the local dynamics of clan rivalries and politics, contributing to the unique culture and history of the region.
Gordons: Primarily associated with the north, the Gordons also had a significant presence in the Borders. Their involvement in feuds and territorial disputes added to the complex interplay of power in the region.