Let me share with you the historical background of your family name, Drummond. Your family name originates from the lands of Drymen in Stirlingshire, which were known for their high ground. The name Drummond is derived from the Gaelic word ‘dromainn,’ meaning ‘high ground.’ It is believed that your family descends from Yorik, a Hungarian prince who accompanied Princess Margaret Atheling to Scotland in 1068.

The presence of the Drummond surname can be found in the early charters of the earls of Lennox, indicating their close association with the region. Your family’s connection to the Lennox family is evident through Malcolm Drummond, Chamberlain of Lennox, who witnessed charters by Maldwin, the 3rd Earl of Lennox, between 1225 and 1270. It is worth noting that Gilbert de Drummond of Dumbarton and Malcolm de Drummond pledged their allegiance to Edward I of England in 1296, although the Drummonds later fought alongside Robert the Bruce against the English.

As a reward for their loyalty and valor, your family was granted lands in Perthshire after the Battle of Bannockburn. In 1364, Margaret Drummond, widow of Sir John Logie, married David II, the son of Robert the Bruce, as his second wife. Annabella Drummond, Margaret’s niece, married John, High Steward of Scotland, who later became Robert III.

Sir John Drummond played a significant role during the reigns of James III and James IV. His daughter became the mistress, and some rumors suggest the wife, of James IV. However, she was viewed as an obstacle to the King’s marriage to Mary Tudor and was poisoned along with her sisters. Meanwhile, Sir John was elevated to the status of Lord Drummond. Following James VI’s coronation as James I of England, Lord Drummond was granted the title of 1st Earl of Perth. The 2nd Earl served as a Privy Councillor to both James VI and Charles I, while the 3rd Earl fought alongside the Marquis of Montrose and was captured by the English at Philiphaugh. After the Restoration, James, the 4th Earl of Perth, was appointed Lord High Chancellor of Scotland. However, when James VII ascended to the throne, he declared himself a Catholic. As a result, he was imprisoned in Stirling Castle and later exiled to Rome. James was summoned to Paris by James VII and bestowed with the title of Duke of Perth, while his brother, John, became Duke of Melfort. The 2nd and 3rd Dukes of Perth supported the Jacobite Uprising, leading to the confiscation of their estates. Nevertheless, in 1853, George Drummond (1807-1902) was reinstated as the 14th Earl of Perth.

Your family history also includes notable individuals outside the realm of nobility. William Drummond of Hawthornden (1585-1649) was a renowned poet and a contemporary of the English poet Ben Jonson. Thomas Drummond (1797-1840) served as the Under-Secretary for Ireland and played a key role in developing the Drummond Light associated with ordnance surveys. James Drummond, the 16th Earl of Perth (1876-1951), became the first Secretary General of the League of Nations, leaving a lasting impact on international diplomacy.

Your family, the Drummonds, has a rich and diverse history, with connections to Scottish nobility, poetry, invention, and international affairs.