Branches of Clan Douglas
Black Douglas (Earls of Douglas)
The Black Douglases were the original and most powerful branch of Clan Douglas, dominating Scottish politics in the 14th and early 15th centuries. They rose to prominence during the Wars of Independence, led by Sir James “the Good” Douglas, a close ally of Robert the Bruce. His descendants became Lords of Douglas and later Earls of Douglas and held the French title Duke of Touraine. Their territories stretched from Galloway to Moray. However, their immense power brought them into conflict with the Crown. The line was crushed in 1455 when James II defeated the 9th Earl of Douglas at the Battle of Arkinholm, and their lands were forfeited.
Red Douglas (Earls of Angus)
The Red Douglas line descended from George Douglas, an illegitimate son of the 1st Earl of Douglas, and became Earls of Angus in 1389. Unlike their Black Douglas cousins, they aligned with the Crown and played key roles in Scottish politics. Their power base was in Angus and the Scottish Borders, with Tantallon Castle as their stronghold. Prominent members include Archibald Douglas, 5th Earl of Angus, known as “Bell the Cat,” and the 6th Earl, who married Margaret Tudor, sister of Henry VIII. This branch continued until the death of the 1st Duke of Douglas in 1761, after which the line passed into other noble families.
Douglas of Morton (Earls of Morton)
Originating from Sir Andrew Douglas of Hermiston, this branch rose through the Lords of Dalkeith and was granted the earldom of Morton in 1458. Their seat was initially Dalkeith Castle, later Aberdour Castle in Fife. The 4th Earl of Morton served as Regent of Scotland for the young James VI but was executed in 1581. The Morton title was restored and passed to the Loch Leven Douglases. The Morton line continues today, making it one of the longest surviving branches.
Douglas of Drumlanrig and Queensberry
This branch began with Sir William Douglas of Drumlanrig, an illegitimate son of the 2nd Earl of Douglas. The family was ennobled in 1633 as the Earls, later Dukes, of Queensberry. The 2nd Duke played a major role in the Union of 1707. Drumlanrig Castle, their seat in Dumfriesshire, remains one of Scotland’s great estates. The line merged with the Scott family in later generations but continues through the Marquesses of Queensberry.
Douglas of Selkirk (Douglas-Hamilton)
Established in the 17th century when Lord William Douglas married Anne Hamilton, Duchess of Hamilton. He became Earl of Selkirk and took on the Hamilton dukedom. Their descendants, the Dukes of Hamilton, adopted the hyphenated surname Douglas-Hamilton. Though the chiefship of Clan Douglas is now dormant, the Duke of Hamilton is the senior male-line descendant of the Douglases.
Swedish Douglas Branch
Founded by Field Marshal Robert Douglas, a younger son of the Angus line who entered Swedish service during the Thirty Years’ War. Ennobled as Count of Skenninge, his descendants became prominent in the Swedish nobility, serving as generals, diplomats, and governors. This line remains active and is considered part of the wider Douglas heritage.
Obscure or Nonactive Branches
Douglas of Bonjedward
A Borders branch descending from Lady Margaret Douglas, an illegitimate daughter of the 1st Earl of Douglas. The family held Bonjedward in Roxburghshire from the early 14th century. Though active in local conflicts and feuds, the line faded by the 18th century. Their legacy continues through genealogical records and their cadets, such as the Douglases of Timpendean.
Douglas of Cavers
Established by Archibald Douglas, an illegitimate son of the 2nd Earl of Douglas. The family held the hereditary sheriffdom of Teviotdale and supported their cousins at Arkinholm in 1455. Though once powerful in the Borders, the line faded by the 19th century.
Douglas of Mains
A cadet of the Hermiston line, established in Dunbartonshire in the 14th century through marriage to the Galbraith heiress of Mains. The family held the estate until the 20th century. While never peers, they were respected armigerous lairds. The line ended in 1977 with the death of the last Douglas of Mains.
Douglas of Ormond and Forfar
This short-lived branch descended from Archibald Douglas, second son of the 1st Marquess of Douglas. He was created Earl of Ormond and his son was made Earl of Forfar. The line ended in 1715 with the death of the 2nd Earl of Forfar.
Douglas-Home (Earls of Home)
Descended from Baron Douglas (heir of the Douglas Cause), this line merged with the Home family when Lucy Douglas married the Earl of Home. Their descendants adopted the surname Douglas-Home and inherited Douglas estates. The best-known member is Sir Alec Douglas-Home, former Prime Minister. Though active under the Home name, the Douglas identity is secondary.
References (APA Format)
Clan Douglas Society of North America. (2022). A Concise History of the House of Douglas. https://www.clan-douglas-society.org/history
Historic Environment Scotland. (2019). The Black Douglases – One of Scotland’s Most Powerful Families. https://blog.historicenvironment.scot
Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). James Douglas, 2nd Earl of Douglas. https://www.britannica.com
ScotClans. (n.d.). Clan Douglas History. https://www.scotclans.com
Wikipedia. (2024). Clan Douglas. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan_Douglas
WappenWiki. (2021). House of Douglas. https://wappenwiki.org/index.php/House_of_Douglas