Arthur Buchanan of Sound

Arthur Buchanan of Sound can be seen from the arms as a closer relative to Buchanan of the Ilk. The arms being differenced by the inclusion of a crescent in dexter chief. The crescent is the sign of a second son, and we can, therefore, assume that he was the second son, or descended through a second son.

The name ‘sound’ is used in the Orkneys for channels of water.

The family of Buchanan of ‘Sound and Shapinshaw’ is mentioned in Margaret Stuart’s Scottish Family History, in the proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries (189) 277.

James, the third son of Robert Buchanan of Leny was called James of Shirrahall, Orkney, but would have been living at an earlier period than Arthur Buchanan.

James Buchanan, was brother to Sir John of Scotscraig and father of Thomas.

Sir John Buchanan of Scotscraig, second son of Robert Buchanan of Leny, purchased the lands of Sound and Shapinshaw from James Tullo.

Sir John was dead in 1642, and his son-in-law, Harry Erskine, sold the properties to Thomas Buchanan, Sherrif of Orkney.

Thomas Buchanan was provost of Kirkwall in the Orkneys between 1636 – 1647 and left the property of Sound, amongst other properties, to his eldest son Arthur.

Details regarding the family can be found in ‘Kirkwall in the Orkneys.’

The Arms are recorded in Lyon Register Volume 1, Page 122, 1675.