The name Hepburn is a prominent one, reflecting the significant roles played by Hepburn kinsmen in some of the most famous events shaping Scottish, British and European history. Their eventful past reflects many turbulent times and certain of their exploits and achievements have gone down in history, mirroring the diverse loyalties, conflicts, intrigues and affiliations of Scottish society over the centuries.

From the early fourteenth century onwards the family, which has Northumbrian origins, was immersed in Scottish affairs. Adam de Hibburne or Hyburne rose to prominence during the reign of King Robert the Bruce, being present with Sir Patrick de Dunbar, Earl of March at the siege of Berwick in 1334. For his "good and faithful service" Sir Patrick granted him estates in East Lothian including Hailes and Traprain. Adam's son, Sir Patrick of Hailes, and grandson, Patrick Younger of Hailes, both distinguished themselves in the Battle of Otterburn in 1388. Fourteen years later the younger Patrick fell in the Battle of Nisbet Moor with, family history relates, "the flower of youth of East Lothian".

Sir Alastair Buchan-Hepburn, current head of the Hepburn family, continues: "Sir Patrick was succeeded by his grandson Sir Adam who was one of the commissioners sent to England in 1423 to negotiate the release of James I of Scotland from captivity, which they achieved. In 1444 Adam was succeeded by his son, Sir Patrick, who was created Lord Hailes in 1456. Lord Hailes' eldest son, Adam, was involved in the clan wars which plagued the country during the reign of James III, giving rise to a family reputation for 'unruliness'.

"Adam had five sons. His fourth, John, also had a reputation for unruliness but has gone down in history primarily for his significant contribution to the University of St. Andrew's in 1512 as 'munificent founder of St. Leonard's College' - one of the earliest university colleges in Scotland - when he was 'Pryor Johne of St. Androis'. Rather charmingly described in family histories as a 'muscular Christian', Prior John reportedly repulsed efforts by the Bishop of Moray to claim the 'breives' of St. Andrews and refused to let him enter the Abbey Kirk or Castle. . . Prior John's younger brother James, Abbot of Dunfermline and High Treasurer of Scotland, assumed the mantle of Bishop of Moray in 1516 as, later, did James's nephew, Patrick, who had been educated by his uncle, Prior John."

The family's power continued to grow. Patrick Lord Hailes, Adam's eldest son, was Commander of Berwick Castle in 1482 and held out against the English army even after the town had surrendered. He then took part in the rising against King James III and fought at the Battle of Sauchieburn. A loyal supporter of James IV, Patrick became one of his principal ministers, was made Governor of Edinburgh Castle, Master of the Household and High Admiral of Scotland. In 1488 he was created 1st Earl of Bothwell. The 1st Earl acted as an ambassador to the courts of France, Spain and England during the negotiations surrounding the marriage of James IV. Bothwell's favoured standing with the king subsequently led to his officiation as the king's representative at James IV's marriage to Princess Margaret, eldest daughter of Henry VII.

Thomas Carlyle's description of history as "a distillation of rumour" is one that resonates with Sir Alastair. One of his most famous ancestors, James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell, was a prime suspect in the murder of Lord Darnley, second husband of Mary Queen of Scots, who was found strangled following an explosion at Kirk O'Field. Although Bothwell was subsequently tried and cleared, the trial was reportedly rigged, hence the stigma remained and many, if not most, history books continue to suggest his involvement, if not that of Queen Mary herself, in the crime.

Sir Alastair does not believe that his ancestor was involved in the actual murder - although he may have been implicated in the explosion - viewing the early accusations as mirroring the complex social and religious upheavals and court intrigues of sixteenth-century Scotland. He points out that authors such as Robert Gore-Browne, in his book Lord Bothwell, paint a very different picture of his ancestor. "What is known", says Sir Alastair, "is that Bothwell was a Scots patriot and a close confidant of the queen at a time when she was estranged from Lord Darnley who had conspired in the murder of her secretary, David Rizzio. Shortly after the close of his trial, Bothwell allegedly 'kidnapped' Mary Queen of Scots, divorced his wife, Lady Jean Gordon, and married the queen. A month later, in June 1567, a rebellion led them to flee.

"The queen was soon forced to surrender and Bothwell escaped via Orkney and Shetland to Norway which at that time was under Danish rule. Initially he enjoyed the protection of King Frederick II who refused to extradite him but, when it became clear to the Danes that Mary's cause was lost, Bothwell was incarcerated in the castle of Dragsholm in Zeeland where, five years later, he died, reputedly insane. To this day the castle is said to be haunted by his ghost."

PART TWO