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Since 1965 thanks to the generosity of the owner of the surrounding property, Mrs. Jean CUMMINGS, Sorbie Tower in the ancient Province of Galloway in Scotland has belonged to the Clan Hannay Society.

The present tower was built about 1550 and is situated 7 miles south of Wigtown. It was occupied until 1748 after which it was neglected and is now in a ruinous state. The castle is "L" shaped and with its pepper pot turrets, crow-stepped gables and heraldic panels is typical of a period when the styling of the square Scots Tower was affected by the graceful chateau architecture of France.

Since acquiring the Tower the Clan has cleared it of over-growing ivy and encroaching shrubbery. an access road and car park have been made and the floor of the Tower cobbled. The stairway from ground to first floor was rebuilt and a large area of courtyard exposed. Windows have been repaired and the kitchen fireplace arch replaced. Altogether well over 30,000 pounds has been spent to secure the Tower for future generations to enjoy. The work is ongoing and is by no means complete.

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The Hannays in History
Originally the Ahannas, the family were first recorded in Galloway at the Manor of Sorbie in the 13th Century. This lowland clan, pictish in origin, supported John Balliol against Robert the Bruce as did most of Galloway. They fought more gloriously on the losing side supporting the Stewarts at Flodden Field. Depending on the season the Hannays fought against or allied with neighboring families such as the Kennedys, the Dunbars, and the Murrays. In the late 16th century, feuding with the Murrays led to great loss of lands and the outlawing of the Hannay family.

Some famous Hannays were John de Hanna, who served as Shipmate to James I, and Andrew Hannay of Scots Guard of the King of France in 1469. In 1635, during the riot in St. Giles Kirk in Edinburgh, against the reading of Laud's liturgy it was Dean James Hanna at whom Jenny Geddes threw her infamous stool!


The Present Society
A fortuitous meeting in London in 1959 between Pat Hanna, Australian film star, and John Hannay, Deputy Mayor of Chelsea, led to the founding of the Clan Hannay Society. A world council was formed with John Hannay as Convenor, Alex Hannah, as Secretary and Donald Hannah as Treasurer.

In 1965, the Old Tower of Sorbie, the ancient stronghold of the Hannays, was granted to the Clan. A grant of arms was made to the Clan in 1983, and the tartan of blue and yellow revived in the early sixties was formally registered by the Lord Lyon. In 1984, Ramsay Hannay of Kirkdale, and that Ilk was recognised as the Chief of the Clan.

The Clan Hannay Society incorporates Hanna, Hannah, Hannay, and Hanney.

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wills wrote:

yeah I noticed the names .. I wonder if they are distant relatives of mine..


william

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