Your family, the Dewars, have a captivating history that first traces its roots to the southeast of Edinburgh. Legend holds that your ancestors were granted these lands as a reward for bravely vanquishing a fearsome wolf that had been causing terror in the region.

There’s also a variation of the name rooted in Gaelic, ‘Deoireach,’ signifying ‘pilgrim.’ Among the five Highland families bearing this name, the Dewar Coigerachs stand out. They were the honored custodians of the staff of St. Fillan, a Celtic saint who passed away in AD 777. This sacred relic played a pivotal role in Scottish history, accompanying the army at Bannockburn under the command of Robert the Bruce, as depicted in historical accounts. Despite changing hands over the centuries, this revered relic was eventually located and now finds its home at the Museum of Antiquities in Edinburgh.

The Dewar name made its earliest appearance on the infamous Ragman’s Roll when Thomas and Piers de Deware pledged allegiance to Edward I. As time marched on, a charter of lands was granted to William Dewar in 1474, with mentions of Dewars in Stirling around 1483. This branch of the family gave rise to the Dewar of Cambuskenneth lineage. In 1710, John, the son of Patrick Dewar of Cambuskenneth, faced a fine of £50.95 for his involvement in a ‘blood and riot’ incident.

William Dewar of that Ilk made a significant move by selling his Dewar lands and relocating to Carrington. It is from this branch that your present chiefs trace their lineage.

The Dewars enjoyed commercial success, culminating in the acquisition of the barony and estate of Vogrie in 1719. David Dewar of Vogrie assumed the role of Postmaster General for Leith and Edinburgh. The Vogrie estates flourished, hosting not only a productive coal mine in the mid-19th century but also Scotland’s inaugural gunpowder mill.

The splendid Vogrie Mansion House was commissioned by Alexander, the sixth Laird. While the estate has since reduced in size from 2,000 acres to approximately 250 acres, the house still stands tall, and the estates are now accessible to the public as Vogrie Country Park.

The name Dewar holds a deep association with whisky, a legacy largely shaped by the efforts of John Dewar. Born in 1856, he revolutionized both the business and the industry itself, ultimately earning the title Baron Forteviot of Dupplin in 1917.

In 1990, the present chief of your family received recognition from the Lord Lyon, further solidifying the enduring legacy of the Dewar name. It’s a heritage filled with valor, accomplishments, and contributions that continue to shine brightly.