The Gordons came from the Lowlands to Aberdeenshire in the 14th century when Sir Adam, Lord of Gordon, was granted lands in Strathbogie by King Robert the Bruce. Elizabeth, only child of a later Sir Adam Gordon, married Alexander Seton, who assumed the name of Gordon, and their son was created Earl of Huntly in 1449. A Marquessate was conferred on the 6th earl in 1599, and a Dukedom on the 4th Marquess by King Charles II in 1684. By the death of the 5th Duke of Gordon, the title became extinct, and the Marquessate passed to the Earl of Aboyne, while the estates passed to the Duke of Richmond, who in 1876 was created Duke of Gordon in the Peerage of the United Kingdom.

The Gordons of Methlic acquired the lands of Haddo in 1533, and in 1642 Sir John was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia. Sir George, who was President of the Court of Session, received the Earldom of Aberdeen in 1682, and John, 7th Earl and 1st Marquess, was Governor-General of Canada and later Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland.

The Gordons of Kircudbright were descended from the original stem of Border Gordons and acquired the lands of Lochinvar and Kenmure in the 14th century. In 1633 Sir John Gordon was created Viscount Kenmore and Lord Lochinvar. They were strong adherents of the Stuarts and suffered for their attachment to that unfortunate line. Viscount Kenmure was the subject of the well-known Jacobite song “Kenmure’s on and awa Willie”.

The regiment afterwards known as the Gordon Highlanders was first raised in 1794 when it is alleged that Jane, Duchess of Gordon, induced recruits to join by placing a guinea between her lips and giving each man a kiss.

Crest: A buck’s head affronte couped, proper,, attired, or. Badge: Rock ivy.

War Cry: A Gordon! A Gordon! Pipe music: The Gordons’ March