Clan Menzies

The name Menzies is of Norman origin, coming from Mesnieres in Normandy to England, where it was altered to Manners. Sir Robert de Meyneris became chamberlain in the court of Alexander II in 1249. He received grants of lands in Glen Lyon and Athol. His son Alexander acquired the lands of Weem. His son Sir Robert Menzies was a companion of Robert the Bruce and was rewarded with lands in Glendochart, Finlarig, Glenorchy and Durisdeer. The eighth chief, another Sir Robert Menzies, built the Castle at Weem around 1488. James IV made the Menzies lands a free barony in 1510. In 1665 Sir Alexander Menzies was named a Baronet of Nova Scotia. Major Duncan Menzies of Fornock led his highlanders in the charge at the battle of Killiecrankie in 1689.

In 1715 when the Stuarts called on their loyal subjects to rise, Menzies of Culdares rallied to the standard of the old pretender. He was captured at Dunblane after the uprising and spent many years in exile in America. He was later released and made his way back to Glen Lyon. When he landed in Scotland, Culdares was too old for active battle. The clan was present under the Menzies of Shian. After Culloden the lands at Glen Lyon were used as shelter for the defeated highland army.