The origin of this, one of the most powerful families in Scotland, and rivals of Royalty, is unknown. Of them it was said, “Men have seen the stream, but what eye ever beheld the source?” In the 12th century they are found in Lanarkshire, and many famous families appear throughout Scottish history.

William, of Douglas, who lived in the 12th century, had six sons, five of whom were associated with the Province of Moray. The Douglases were prominent in the struggle for Scotland’s independence in the days of Wallace and Bruce and “the Good Sir James”, while carrying Bruce’s heart, was killed fighting against the Moors in Spain in 1330. His nephew, William, was created Earl of Douglas in 1357, and also Earl of Mar by his marriage with Margaret, sister of the 13th Earl of Mar. James, 2nd Earl, was killed at Otterburn in 1388, and from him descended the Queensberry branch. James’s half-brother George became Earl of Angus. The Earldom of Douglas was forfeited in 1455 while held by James, 9th Earl, who died in 1488.

George Douglas obtained a grant of the Earldom of Angus in 1389 when his mother resigned it in his favour. He married Mary, daughter of Robert III. Archibald, 5th Earl, was known as “Bell the Cat” because at a secret meeting of Scottish nobles to discuss means of ridding the Court of the favourites of James III, Lord Gray likened those in conference to mice and asked who had courage to bell the cat. Archibald exclaimed, “I shall bell the cat”. Archibald, 6th Earl, was for a long period in rebellion against James V and kept the young king prisoner for over three years. William, 11th Earl of Angus, was created Marquis of Douglas in 1633.

Archibald, 3rd Marquis, was created Duke of Douglas in 1703, and at the Union in 1707 a protest was entered on his behalf that the Treaty should not affect his rights or privileges. He died without heir, in 1761, and his titles, except the Dukedom, passed to the Duke of Hamilton.