The Elliots are a Border clan, although many of the family, it is alleged, took thier name from the village Elliot in Forfarshire.

The Elliots of Lariston were the principle family from which most of the other families descended. The Elliots of Stobs originated in the 16th century and in 1666 Gilbert Elliot of Stobs was created a baronet of Nova Scotia. George, the youngest son of the 3rd baronet, was born in 1718. He chose the army as a career and served in the war of the Austrian Succession and was wounded at the Battle of Dettingen. He was Governor of Gibraltar when, in 1779, Spain and France laid siege to that important fortress. Elliot’s defence of the rock is one of the most glorious achivements in British history.

Over 100,000 men, 48 sail of the line, 450 cannons, floating batteries and every conceivable means of warfare were used by the enemy, but the force on the rock under Elliot remained undefeated. The use of hot shot by the British commenced the complete demoralisation of the enemy. When Lord Howe relieved Gibraltar, the loss of the garrison in nine weeks was 65 dead and 388 wounded. Elliot was created Lord Heathfield, Baron Gibraltar, in 1787. He died in 1790.

Gilbert Elliot, descended from the Stobs branch, was the founder of the Minto family. Born in 1651 he followed the profession of the law. His work for religious liberty led to him being condemned for high treason in 1685. He was pardoned, and was constituted a Lord of Session as Lord Minto in 1705. He died in 1718. His great-grandson, Gilbert, an emiment statesman, was Governer General of India, 1807-1812. For his services he was created Earl of Minto in 1813. He died the following year.

Crest: A dexter arm embowed, issuant from clouds, throwing a dart