The Clan History

This name is of local origin, from a place called Bennachtain.This name is found in many mediaeval manuscripts in Scotland and examples of such are a William de Bennothine who witnessed a grant by David Olifard to the Hospital of Soltre between the years 1153 and 1177.Nicolas de Benothyne witnessed a charter by William de Moravia in favour of the same hospital between 1278-94. Like their Irish Kinsmen many Scots were forced to seek emigration after the 1745 Rebellion and above all clearances of whole populations by landlords during the 19th century. Other examples are a Sir Richard of Bannochtine of the Corhouse, who flourished, sometimes wrote himself 'Bannachty', and his son is called Sir John Bannatyne.This spelling continued till the time of Charles II.