AN INTRODUCTION
The Scottish Feudal Barony of Balmachreuchie
A 14th Century Scottish personal dignity registered with the Scottish Barony Register.
What Are Scottish Feudal Baronies?
WHAT THEY ARE
Scottish Feudal baronies are uniquely Scottish titles that survived recent feudal abolition. Specifically, a Scottish Prescriptive Barony, by tenure from 1660 to 2004, was the official feudal term for a unique title of nobility. Unlike peerages, which could only be passed down through inheritance, baronies could change hands through sale, gift, or inheritance.
Thus, the term 'feudal barony' encompassed both the noble rank and the associated lands. After 2004, the dignity (title) was separated from the lands and maintained as a non-tangible feudal heritage. This split what was once a single entity into two separate parts.
Based on the Spaldings of Ashintully & Balmachreuchie
Most Scottish coats of arms are based on those of someone else. According to a basic principle of Scottish Heraldry, individuals sharing the same surname are considered related, regardless of whether this connection is proven. Alterations to these arms are subject to strict regulations overseen by the Lord Lyon King of Arms.
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Compare the Arms of the current Baron of Balmachreuchie, Timothy S. Spaulding, with those of the late Nicholas James Spaulding, former Younger of Balmachreuchie.
Geography
Strathardle lies in a region where the Gaelic language was predominant until the mid-eighteenth century. It takes its name from the prefix ‘Strath,’ which signifies a broad valley, referring to the wide valley flanking the River Ardle. Strathardle, formerly Srath Ardail, links Glenshee with Atholl. The Spalding Clan Chiefs once held both the barony of Balmachreuchie and the adjacent barony of Ashintully.
