Carruthers Gathering, Annan, Dumfriesshire, August 24-25, 2024

Annan is situated in the old West March it does of course take its name from Annandale and the river Annan which runs through it to the Solway Firth. Carruthers owned lands on both sides of the river, Annan sits within what was the our extensive ancestral lands. 

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River Annan with the town of Annan in the Background

The fords or “waths” which cross the eastern Solway Firth were the routes taken by invading armies for more than two thousand years. Their principal routes were then up into Annandale and Eskdale, of which Carruthers played their part in the wars and skirmishes of the area.

The Roman Empire of course was not confined by Hadrian’s Wall and they invaded what is now Scotland many times and established large camps and fortifications in Annandale itself, when securing their roads for their campaigns further north.

In the 13th and 14th centuries the Bruce family, who were the Lords of Annandale, took a very active role in the struggle for Scottish independence and the lands on both sides of the border suffered the consequences of outright war between England and Scotland. As a source of history, Annan itself was made a Burgh of Barony by the Bruces in the 13th century but the charter document was most probably destroyed during the border wars. This charter was re-erected by King James V in 1538.

Carruthers received thier own Charter of Lands in 1320 from Robert the Bruce and during their tenure as Lords of Annandale our family were their Stewards, as well as Keepers of Trailtrow Preceptory, Foresters of Annandale, and Guardians of the Old Kirk Ford at Hoddom.

Even in the times when both Scotland and England were at peace the valleys were subjected to raid and counter raid for around 300 years as the powerful families on both sides of the border made their living as “reivers”. The “reivers” were fast, well armed horsemen with no allegiance to either country who rode by night to steal cattle and any moveable goods. The many fortified tower houses and other structures, scattered around the area are a grim reminder of that turbulent past.

These include the ruins of Mouswald Tower, but for Holmains tower, only the groundworks can be see. The ruins of Threave Castle still stand, where Carruthers were Captains in support of Maxwell, and Comlongon Castle where Marion, daughter and orphan of Simon, last of Mouswald was found dead at the bottom of the battlements, allegedly killed by the Douglas for her lands. Little Dalton Kirk on the Old Holmains estate holds many a Carruthers.

As such, both the town and area around it are steeped in history, covering events and places Carruthers were involved. For instance in 1605, Holmains as Steward Depute of Annandale (one of the first Justices of the Peace for Dumfriesshire), along with other Lairds were called to quell the disturbances at Newbie Tower, just across the water from Annan. It seems some Maxwells and Jardines had taken the tower and killed its head. The Privey Council had sent the order to retake it and hold it

It is a place to relive and experience the land of your ancestors and further our chief sends a personal invite to you to attend.

 

for further information, please contact Michael Carruthers, Commissioner for the UK at michaelcarruthers100@gmail.com

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BOOKINGS FOR THE GATHERING.

Whisky/Distillary Tour (£25) and Festival Entry (£5 early bird, £8 normal entry) will be paid on the day

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