William Mclellan

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Sir William McLellan, sometimes called "1st Lord Kirkcudbright", was the son of Sir Thomas of Bombie, and is best remembered for an undertaking inspired by a proclamation of King James I of England that promised the barony of Kirkcudbright to whoever should disperse a troublesome thief known as the Black Terror 'dead or alive'.

This act was duly accomplished in some style by the young McLellan, who presented himself before the king with the head of the Terror on the point of his sword.

The king, surprised that the robber had been ousted, commended McLellan on his service to the Crown but mentioned nothing of the Barony. Apparently, the enraged McLellan threw his gauntlet at the king having it land at his feet and shaking his fist beseeched the king to "Think on!" (or remember what was promised), whereupon King James relented and awarded McLellan the Barony and Castle.

The crest which the new Baron William adopted was 'an erect right arm grasping a dagger, on the point of which was a Moor's head 'couped proper', tag on the bottom with the family motto "think on". The Coat of arms on the crest is flanked on either side by Mclellan on the right holding the Barony in his bare right hand and Mclellan's horse in full armourment.

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