One of the most powerful families, the Keiths, are reputed to be one of the branches of the Clan Chattan Confederation, and they held the office of Great Marischal from the twelfth century. In the fourteenth century by a marriage with the heiress of the Cheynes of Ackergill, the Keiths took possession of lands in Caithness, and for a long time their settlement there was a source of feuds with the Clan Gunn. An attempt at reconciliation being unsuccessful, a meeting was arranged between twelve horsemen from both sides, but the Keiths arrived with two men on each horse, and immediately attacked the Gunns while they were at prayer. In spite of the inequality of numbers both sides fought with desperation until most of the Gunns were killed, including their chief, and the Keiths retired considerably depleted. The surviving Gunns later followed their enemies and killed many of the remaining Keiths.

Sir William Keith, Great Marischal in the reign of James II., was created Earl Marischal by the King, and the family exerted considerable influence in Scotland for centuries afterwards. At a period when the sword was the deciding factor in national affairs the soldierly qualities of the Keiths kept them ever in the forefront and one of the outstanding commanders of his tome was James, Marshal Keith, younger son of the 9th Earl Marischal, who was out in the Jacobite Rising in 1715. After experience in the Spanish service, he entered the Russian army in 1728, and was appointed General in 1737. Ten years later he joined the German army and his brilliant leadership won for him a Continental reputation. He was made a Field Marshal by Frederick the Great, who raised a statue to him.

Upon the death of George, 10th and last Earl Marischal in 1778, the entailed estates passed to Lord Falconer, and the remainder of his property was divided among his grand-nephews.

Crest: A hart’s head erased, proper, attired with ten tynes