Let me share with you the intriguing history of your family, the Kincaids, and their remarkable lineage. It is believed that your family descends from prestigious lineages, including the ancient Earls of Lennox, the Galbraiths of Buthernock, the Grahames, and the Comyn Lords of Badenoch. The origin of the Kincaid name is a subject of debate, with multiple interpretations proposed. One explanation suggests that it derives from the Gaelic phrase ‘ceann cadha,’ meaning ‘steep place’ or ‘pass.’ Another translation could be ‘of the head of the rock,’ while a third possibility relates to ‘the head of the battle,’ potentially referring to a later achievement in the family’s history. As the Brythonic language was replaced by Gaelic, the name gradually evolved from Ceann Caith to its anglicized form, Kincaid. Regardless of its linguistic origins, an early reference to the surname can be found in connection with property in the early thirteenth century when Alexander III granted the lands of Kincade to Maldouen, the third Earl of Lennox.

The heart of your family’s lands was located north of Glasgow. While it is believed that your ancestors erected a tower house, no remains of this structure exist today. The present Kincaid House was constructed around 1690 and later expanded in the mid-eighteenth century. From the late sixteenth century onward, your family acquired additional landholdings in the eastern part of the country. Through a favorable marriage, the Kincaids gained the estate of Craiglockhart near Edinburgh. Over time, they also acquired the estate of Bantaskin near Falkirk, the formidable Blackness Castle near Linlithgow, and the fields of Warriston, now a suburb of Edinburgh. Malcolm Kincaid, who lost his left arm in a skirmish in 1563, was actively involved in a feud with the Lennoxes of Woodhead during the 1570s. At one point, the conflict spilled onto the streets of Glasgow. Tragically, Malcolm met his demise at the hands of a Stirling of Glovat in 1581.

It is noteworthy that the feud with the Lennoxes took an intriguing turn, as your family’s name was later carried on through marriage to that very family, leading to the re-establishment of the Kincaid name as an independent clan in the twentieth century. In recent times, the Kincaids of that Ilk have regained their independent identity, with the late Madam Kincaid of Kincaid becoming the first chief in modern times. Following her, her granddaughter Arabella succeeded as the chief in 2001, and what makes it unique is that her brother, Lennox of that Ilk, also holds the position of a fellow chief.

Embracing a rich tapestry of heritage and a legacy shaped by events and connections, your family, the Kincaids, have traversed through time, leaving their indelible mark on Scottish history. From ancient lineages to territorial origins, your ancestors carried the name with honor and resilience, their stories interwoven with feuds, marriages, and the pursuit of land and legacy.

The Kincaid family’s intriguing history, blending prestigious lineages and territorial origins, showcases their enduring influence on Scottish history. From the early references to the lands of Kincade granted by Alexander III to the construction of Kincaid House in the late seventeenth century, your family’s lands and estates expanded over time. Engaging in feuds and achieving notable connections through marriage, the Kincaids left a lasting legacy in the heart of Scotland. The re-establishment of the Kincaid name as an independent clan in the modern era, and the simultaneous presence of two chiefs, adds a unique chapter to the family’s story. Embracing a rich tapestry of heritage, your family’s history embodies honor, resilience, and a remarkable journey through the ages.