The Johnstones were a powerful clan famous in Border song and story. They derived their name from the barony of Johnstone in Annandale, and their name occurs in records of the thirteenthcentury. From that time onward the Johnstones were prominent in Border warfare. The Johnstones supported the crown for generations and in 1633 Sir James Johnstone of Johnstone was created Lord Johnstone of Lochwood by Charles I.,and ten years later he was created Earl of Hartfell. The extinct Earldom of Annandale was conferred on the 2nd Earl of Hartfell, who deid in 1672. His son was created Marquess of Annandale in 1701. The Marquessate became dormant on the death of George, 3rd Marquess, in 1792.

The Johnstones of Westerhall, in Dunfriesshire, were descended from the same stock, and John, 2nd of Westerhall, was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1700. Sir James, 3rd Baronet, notable for his local inprovements, married the eldest daughter of Lord Elibank and had fourteen of a family, several of whom servedwith distinction in the navy and the army.

The Johnstones of the North were represented by the Johnstones of Johnstone. This family claim decent from Stiven de Johnston in the fourteenth century whose grandson possessed the lands of Ballindalloch. George Johnston of that ilk was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1626. Sir John, 3rd Baronet, was unjustly executed in London in 1690 for being present at the marriage of Captain Campbell of Mamore who was alleged to have abducted Miss Wharton and married her. Campbell escaped to Scotland, but Johnston was betrayed by his landlord for £ 50. Sir John, 4th Baronet, was out in “ the 45,” and his son was killed at Sheriffmuir. Sir William, 6th Baronet, purchased the estate of Hilton, near Aberdeen.

Crest: A phoenix in flames, proper. Badge: Red hawthorn.