Let me share the fascinating history of your family name, Broun. According to tradition, a brave Norman warrior named Walterus le Brun arrived in Scotland in 1073 during the reign of King Malcolm III. He acquired the lands of Colstoun near Haddington, and around 1270, a castle was constructed there, which remains in your family to this day. Your ancestor Richard le Brun, a descendant of Walterus, was described as one of the prominent barons of Scotland. However, he endured the temporary loss of his lands during the Scottish Wars of Independence. Fortunately, David II restored them to him in 1370.

In 1423, William Broun of Colstoun married Margaret de Annand, a relative of the royal Bruce family. Later, John Broun of Colstoun tragically lost his life in the disastrous Battle of Flodden in 1513. The following year, his successor George Broun of Colstoun married, and it is said that through this marriage, the famous ‘Colstoun Pear’ came into the possession of your family. Legend holds that this relic grants unending prosperity to the family who possesses it.

The Brouns played significant roles throughout Scottish history. They staunchly supported Mary Queen of Scots during her deposition, and the laird was present at the Battle of Langside, which later required him to seek a pardon from the new regent. In the 1650s, James Broun of Colstoun presided over the trial of five alleged witches in Haddington. In 1686, his successor Sir Patrick Broun of Colstoun and Thornydykes was granted the title of Baronet of Nova Scotia in recognition of his remarkable service and the unwavering loyalty of the ancient family he represented.

The second baronet, Sir George Broun, married Elizabeth Mackenzie, the daughter of the first Earl of Cromarty. As the story goes, Elizabeth insisted on taking a bite of the renowned Colstoun Pear, and misfortune soon followed. Eventually, burdened by debts, Sir George was compelled to sell Colstoun to his brother, Robert. Tragically, four years later, Robert and his two sons perished in a coach accident. In the late eighteenth century, the fifth Baronet, Sir Alexander, passed away without leaving any heirs, leading to the succession of your cousin, the Reverend Richard Broun, a minister from Lochmaben near Lockerbie. As a result, the next three generations of the chief line had connections to Dumfries. The tenth Baronet, Sir William, at the age of twenty, immigrated to Australia from Dumfries and later dedicated himself to public service, forging a lasting connection between your family and the continent of Australia. Noteworthy branches of the family include the Brouns of Sauchie, Carsleuch, Balqubarne, and Finderlie. The family motto is ‘Floreat Magestas,’ which translates to ‘Let majesty flourish.’