Clan Oliphant

The progenitor of the name Oliphant in Scotland was a Donald Holifard, who was shipwrecked on Scotland's east coast, near present Kincardinshire. Tha name probably derives from the Norse name Olaf.

The story of the Oliphant Clan of Scotland is a proud and distinguished one. From Scotland's famous battle that reaffirmed their independence in 1314 at Bannockburn, to her final defeat in 1746 at Culloden, the Oliphant Clan has played a role. Oliphants have held important positions and have made substantial accomplishments throughout Scotland's history. Perhaps the most famous clansman is Sir William Oliphant of Aberdalgie, the gallant knight who defended Stirling Castle against the English, after most Scottish positions had been overrun. He was a signatory to the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, which reaffirmed Scotlands independence.

Very little is known about this Donald Holifard however, he is considered to be a nobleman, as he was important enough for a ship to be sent out to find him. It is said that He was certainly of Norwegian stock and it might be assumed that his initial intentions were to be a party to Harold Haarfager's invasions of Scotland during this period. .... more

Berridale castle & the Oliphants

Kellie Castle owned by Oliphants between 1360 and 1613

• A1. Donald Holifard;
  • B1. Duncan, Thane of Glenbervie, b:990, m. Helen Hassa;
    • C1. Walter, lvd:1040, m. Margaret Mac Sinell of Argus;
      • D1. William, lvd:1080;
        • E1. David, lvd:1120;
          • F1. William, b:1141;
            • G1. David, lvd:1162/1242;
              • H1. Walter of Aberdalgy, lvd:1200/1242, m. Christian Strathearn;
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  • I1. Sir William of Aberdalgy Oliphant, lvd:1253/1329, m. Isabel Douglas;
    • J1. Sir Walter of Aberdalgy Oliphant, lvd:1280/1365, m. princess Elisabeth de Bruce;  ==>  House of Bruce
      • K1. Sir Robert Walter, lvd:1314/1378, m. Mary Erskin;  <==  Clan Erskin
        • L1. Sir John, d:1420, m. Lady Filia Borthwick;
          • M1. Sir William of Gallery, lvd:1379/1425, m. Isabel Stewart;  ==>  Clan Stewart
            • N1. Sir John, Knight of Aberdalgie, lvd:1408/1445, m. Margaret Ogilvy;  ==>  Clan Ogilvy
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  • O1. Sir Laurence 1st Lord Oliphant, lvd:1439/1498, m. Isobel Hay;
    • P1. Margaret Oliphant, lvd:1496, m. Sir John Elphinstone;  ==>   Clan Elphinstone
    • P2. Sir William of Berriedale, m. Christian Sutherland;  ==>   Clan Sutherland
      • Q1. Andrew of Berriedale;
        • R1. Margaret Oliphant, m William Oliphant (Q1 below);
    • P3. Sir John 2st Lord, lvd:1460/1516, m. Elisabeth Campbell;  ==>   Clan Campbell
      • Q1. William, Master of Oliphant, lvd:1495/1513, m. Margaret Oliphant of Berriedale ;
        • R1. Laurence Oliphant of Newton and Thrumster, lvd:1510/1568, m. Mary Rollo;  ==>  Clan Rollo
          • S1. Laurence of Gask, b:1560, m. Lilias Graham;  ==>  Clan Graham
            • T1. Laurence of Gask *, lvd:1608/1679, m. Lilias Oliphant;
              • U1. David, lvd:1648/1707;
                • V1. Duncan, lvd:1682/1734, m. Mary Garrison;
                  • W1. Ephriam, lvd:1717/1794, m. Sara Higgins Stout;  ==>  Stout Family
                    • X1. Sara, b:1751, m. John Woolsey;  <==  Woolsey Family
      • Q2. Colin, Master of Oliphant, lvd:1487/1513, m. Elisabeth Keith;
        • R1. Laurence 3rd Lord Oliphant, m. Margaret Sandilands;  ==>  Clan Sandilands
          • S1. Laurence 4th Lord Oliphant, m. Margaret Hay;  ==>  Clan Hay
            • T1. John Oliphant, lvd:1557/1603, m. Lilias Gray;  ==>  Clan Gray
              • U1. Patrick of Condie Oliphant, b:1599, m. Elisabeth Cheyne;  ==>  Clan Cheyne
                • V1. Lilias Oliphant, lvd:1608/1679, m. Sir Laurence Oliphant of Gask *;