Let me share with you the captivating history of your family, the Kinninmonts, and the remarkable journey they have embarked upon throughout the ages. Your family name finds its origins in the lands of Kinninmonth, nestled in the scenic region of Fife. This name bears a territorial significance, deeply rooted in the ancestral connection to these lands.

The earliest records trace back to Odo, the seneschal to the Bishop of St Andrews, who received a charter of confirmation for the lands of Kinninmonth from the illustrious King William the Lion, between the years 1189 and 1199. A publication in 1841 sheds light on the family’s history, stating that the charter granted by John, son of Adam, son of Odo, is not recorded, but his original deed of consent, executed at the same time, still survives. It is within this deed that we find the family name for the first time, referred to as ‘S’Iohannis de Kinimmund’ (Sir John of Kynninmonth). From this esteemed lineage of Odo, all Kinninmonts would trace their ancestry.

Through the ages, your family name left its mark on historical records. William de Kynemuthe, a noble figure, is mentioned on the Ragman Roll of 1296, signifying his submission to Edward I of England following the devastating English invasion that had taken place that year. Alexander de Kynimund, another distinguished member of your family, rose to prominence and was chosen for the esteemed bishopric of Aberdeen in 1356. In 1438, James Kynimond of that Ilk, asserting his rightful claim, demonstrated his lineage’s hereditary rights to the offices of Baillie, Steward, and Marischal of St Andrews, tracing back through his esteemed ancestors.

In the annals of your family’s history, an intriguing tale unfolds around the year 1526. Andrew Kinninmont the younger, the heir to the Kinninmont estate, was forcefully abducted by John Lindsay of the Byres, who sought to gain control over the Kinninmont lands by forcing a marriage between Andrew and Lindsay’s sister. However, Andrew managed to escape this coerced union, had the marriage annulled, and eventually remarried. As a testament to his resilience and determination, he preserved the integrity of the Kinninmont line.

In 1620, the family lands were elevated to the status of the Barony of Wester Kinninmont, solidifying your family’s standing and influence in the region. Like many other noble families of the Lowlands, the Kinninmonts faced hardships in the late seventeenth century. This era was marked by civil wars, religious divisions, and economic challenges that affected numerous families. Patrick Kinninmont, born in 1663, faced mounting debts that ultimately led to the ruin of the estate. In 1696, he became entangled in a dispute with the Privy Council in Edinburgh, and the following year, he was charged with adultery and blasphemy, resulting in his imprisonment in the Edinburgh Tolbooth. With Grissel, his only child, marrying Sir Alexander Murray of Melgund in 1702, this direct line of the family came to an end.

However, the legacy of the Kinninmonts continued to thrive through other branches of the family. Notably, Sir William Hardie Kininmonth (1904-1988) emerged as a renowned modernist Scottish architect, leaving an indelible mark on the architectural landscape. His achievements stand as a testament to the enduring spirit and talent that runs through your family’s veins.

As you reflect upon the rich tapestry of your family’s history, embrace the legacy of the Kinninmonts with pride. The resilience, determination, and notable achievements of your ancestors have left an indelible mark on the world. Carry their legacy forward with honor, knowing that you belong to a lineage that has shaped history and contributed to the tapestry of Scottish heritage. May the stories of your family’s past inspire you to forge your own path, leaving a legacy that future generations of Kinninmonts will be proud to carry.