James Heriot of Niddry Marshall - Lairds of Trabroun

Let’s take a look at the first two Lairds of Trabroun:

1. Nobody disputes that the first Laid of Trabroun was John Heriot, son of James Heriot of Niddri Marshell.

The original charter for the lands of Trabroun was granted by Archibald, Earl of Wigtoun, and confirmed a charter by the late Archibald, Earl of Douglas, the King’s brother, to his lovite Esquire, John de Heriot, son and heir of James de Heriot of Nidre Marschele, the Earl’s “lovite confederate.”

2. The 2nd Laird of Trabroun was Simon Heriot

Heriots of Trabroun by G. W. Ballingall, published in 1894 and probably the most cited reference book on the Heriot family, indicates that by around 1440, Simon Heriot became the next Laird of Trabroun.

Though no relationship is stated, most people have assumed that he was the laird’s son. Ballingall’s source for this information was Douglas’ Baronage which stated that the eldest daughter of Richard Congalton married James Heriot, “eldest son and apparent heir” of Simon Heriot of Trabroun. There is no information at all provided about Simon Heriot other than he became laird about 1440 and was succeeded by his son James about 1460. Both of these dates appear wrong. The book also makes no reference to any of Simon Heriot’s siblings or any children besides James, his successor.

Though most people have assumed that Simon Heriot was the son of John Heriot based on Ballingall’s book, a case can also be made that he was John’s brother. Both John Heriot and Simon Heriot were apparently young men when they became lairds. When John received the original charter in 1423, he was the squire to Sir Archibald Douglas. A squire is usually a young attendant. Simon Heriot was still alive in 1488 when he was referenced by his grandson Andrew Heriot of Trabroun.

Evidently in 1457 there must have been some question as to the rightful possessors of Trabroun as on 15 January 1457/8 John Heriot, brother of Symon Heryot of Trabroun, had to appear and produce the charter that had assigned the lands of Trabroun. Several investigators were present to attest to its validity. Since one would expect that the laird would be the person in possession of the charter and not his brother, this would support the conclusion that Simon Heriot was the laird’s brother. The fact that Simon Heriot named his eldest son James would also support this conclusion as Scottish tradition at this time was that the eldest son was named after the father’s father.

Then why would John Heriot have to prove his right of possession for Trabroun? Perhaps so that he could transfer that right to his brother Simon.

So was Simon the brother of John or his son? Don’t think it can really can’t be determined. What is known is that Simon Heriot did have a brother John and that the brother was still alive in 1471. At some point Simon Heriot became laird of Trabroun, either as heir to his father or resignation of his brother; however, it also appears that he was the reluctant laird of Trabroun, preferring his lands in Aldinston instead. Indeed from 1457 onward he is just as likely to have been called Simon Heriot of Aldinston as Simon Heriot of Trabroun. One document in 1457 refers to Simon Heriot, along with James of Aldynistoun of that ilk, and William of Aldynistoun (the latter two suspected to be Heriots as well, probably Simon’s sons). On 21 June 1471 Simon Heriot attempted to resign the lands of Trabroun back into the hands of the king. His brothers John and William were part of the transaction, along with Richard of Congalton and John Broun of Comercoulstoun. Simon’s sons George and William were witnesses. The following month on 16 July 1471 Simon Heriot resigned the lands of Trabroun “of his awyn fre wil” to his eldest son James Heriot, his apparent heir (“apparent” meant that his father was still alive). Simon Heriot then returned to Aldinston -- that is if he ever left?

This was confirmed in April 1483 when Simon Heryot of Walderstone (Auldinston) was referenced as a member of an inquest. Then, in 1488 Andrew Heriot of Trabroun is noted in an action regarding money owed in feu to him as successor to the lands of Auldinston. He agrees to resolve the action if he can secure the agreement of his grandfather – indicating that Simon Heriot is still alive and influencing decisions.

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