Let me share with you the historical background of your family name, Butter. Your family, the Butters, have a long-standing presence in Perthshire, specifically around Fascally near Pitlochry, dating back to the twelfth century. It is believed that the name may have originated from the Gaelic word ‘bothar,’ which means ‘cattle road,’ indicating a connection to the land and perhaps the rearing of cattle.

Historical records mention individuals bearing the name Butter. In 1331, an Adam Butir is recorded, followed by William and Patrick Butirr in 1360, who were present in Gowrie. The Butters’ involvement in feuds and conflicts is noted, as in 1554, John Butter of Gormok was declared an outlaw for his participation in the murder of George Drummond of Leidcrief during a feud with the Blairs of Balthyock.

The bellicose tendencies of the Butters persisted over the years. In 1598, Patrick Butter faced charges for besieging the House of Ashintully and imprisoning the Laird, Andrew Spalding. However, not all members of your family were involved in such activities. James Butter, described as the ‘Clerk of Perthshire’ in the late seventeenth century, made significant contributions in other fields. He gifted a collection of rare books, including early works on the Caribbean and writings by the German mystic philosopher Jakob Behmen, to the University of Edinburgh. Another James Butter, possibly his father, is mentioned as Sheriff Clerk of Perthshire, who made a bequest to the poor of Perth in 1660.

Arms were granted to the Butters of Gormack between 1672 and 1678, possibly indicating a connection to James, the Clerk of Perthshire. The family name is also recorded in Edinburgh in the eighteenth century, where Charles Butter, a merchant, married Mary Butter, a mantua maker, according to records from the Episcopalian Church in 1774. In the early nineteenth century, an important branch of your family emerged, known as Butter of Faskally. Lieutenant Colonel Archibald Butter of Faskally served in the Crimean War during the 1850s and survived the Indian Mutiny. In 1911, his son, Archibald Butter of Faskally, sold the family estates.

Major Sir David Butter of Pitlochry, who passed away in 2010, made significant contributions to your family’s legacy. He served in the Scots Guards and later became the Lord Lieutenant of Perthshire. For over sixty years, he served as the games chieftain of the Pitlochry Highland Games. He fought in North Africa, including defending against a German advance before the fall of Tobruk. In recognition of his achievements, Butter was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery and dedication to his country.