The Clan Innes is of ancient origin and descends from Berowald who was granted the Barony of Innes by Malcolm IV in 1160. His grandson, Sir Walter of Innes was the first to use the name and received a charter of confirmation from Alexander II in 1226. Alexander, 9th of Innes married Janet, daughter of the last Thane of Aberchirder, and acquired her lands, hence the Innes continued to extend their estates and the family prospered and grew. Sir James, 12th of Innes was chief esquire to James III and entertained James IV at Innes Castle in 1490. Sir Robert, 20th chief was made a baronet by Charles I in 1625, whom he later received at the Port of Garmouth which he founded in 1650. Sir James, 6th Baronet and 25th Chief sold the lands of Innes to the Earl of Fife in 1767 and went to reside in England, only to return to Scotland when he succeeded as 5th Duke of Roxburgh in 1805. James, 6th Duke was created Earl Innes in 1836. Of the cadet branches the Barchets of Balvernie descend from Walter Innes of Innermarkie, son of Sir Robert Innes, 11th of that Ilk; and the Innes of Coxton, a branch of Innermarkie are renowned for building the remarkable Tower of Coxton near Elgin in the 16th century.
