Allow me to share the intriguing history of your family, the Straitons, whose legacy is woven into the very fabric of Midlothian’s landscapes near Edinburgh. The name itself, Straiton, resonates with the echoes of a ‘Homestead on the Street’, possibly referring to a Roman road or paved path. Other variations include ‘Stratton’, and across Ayrshire and Fife, there were similar baronies bearing its name.

Your family’s roots flourish in the Straitons of Lauriston, residing in the Mearns, now Kincardineshire. In the pages of history, Alisaundre de Stratton, kin to your lineage, swore allegiance to Edward I of England in 1296. Alexander Straiton of the Mearns, another kinsman, added his signature to the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, leaving an indelible mark. A charter from David II described an Alexander de Straton as ‘of our blood’. In 1328, an Alexander Straiton assumed the role of Sheriff of Kincardine. The tapestry of your family’s connection with Lauriston began taking shape, with Alexander Straton de Laurenston among the fallen at the Battle of Harlaw, 1411.

Within the courtly realm, Sir Alexander Straiton, during James IV’s reign, occupied a notable place. He was appointed commissioner to explore a potential union between England and Scotland, and in 1605, he shouldered the mantle of King’s Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. Lauriston Castle, a steadfast seat, anchored your family’s journey, standing as a testament to your heritage. Yet, as time flowed on, the family’s path encountered challenges. By the mid-seventeenth century, parliamentary attendance dwindled, signaling a shift.

The chapter of your family’s endurance is marked by the story of David Straiton, ‘The Martyr’, who faced the flames for his steadfast Protestant beliefs and refusal to offer a tenth of his fishings as tithes. Amidst the pages of history, the name Straiton endures, with your family’s contributions interwoven with significant moments like the Battle of Harlaw and the Battle of Waterloo. Your legacy is one of resilience, strength, and unwavering dedication, showcasing the tenacity of the Straiton name.