Ogilvy family, Earls of Airlie

Sir Walter Ogilvy (d. 1440), High Treasurer of Scotland 1425-31, was a younger son of Walter Ogilvy (d. 1391) of Auchterhouse (Forfarshire), a descendant of the Earls of Angus, and an ancestor of the Earls of Seafield (see Ogilvie-Grant, Earls of Seafield). He acquired Lintrathen (Forfarshire) by marriage with Isabel Durward c.1401 and other lands by a second marriage. He also purchased lands in Forfarshire, including Airlie in 1431, and in Perthshire. His grandson James was created Baron Ogilvy in 1491. James, 5th Baron Ogilvy (d. 1606), purchased much property, including Glenisla (Forfarshire). His grandson, created Earl of Airlie in 1639, bought the Forfarshire estates of Cortachy, Clova and Glenprosen in 1625 from Sir David Ogilvy of Inverquharity and also acquired the barony and lands of Alyth (Perthshire) in 1623. His son the 2nd Earl (d. 1703) bought the barony of Coupar (Forfarshire and Perthshire) in 1669 from the widow of James, Lord Coupar, and his grandson the third Earl (d. 1717) bought Auchterhouse (Forfarshire) with the proceeds of the sale of Glenprosen.

The Perthshire estate of Cluny came into the family on the marriage in 1722 of John Ogilvy, titular Earl of Airlie (d. 1761), with Margaret, heiress of David Ogilvy of Cluny. It was sold in 1892. Keltie (Perthshire), gained on the marriage in 1812 of the 4th Earl (d. 1849) and Clementina, heiress of Gavin Drummond, was sold in 1837. Estates in Banffshire, including the harbour, lands and fishings of Banff, were bought by the 1st Earl. Some Banffshire property was alienated in 1699 but the bulk was sold about 1778 by David, Lord Ogilvy, who devoted the proceeds to the re-acquisition of Glenprosen. Although the earldom came under attainder from 1716 to 1826, the family estates were not forfeited during the 18th century.

Estates in 1883: Forfarshire 65,228 acres, Perthshire 4,647 acres, total 69,875 acres worth £28,592 a year.