Vass (sept)

The Vass family (sometimes spelt Vaus, Wass or Waus) were a minor noble Scottish family, but also recognised septs of the Clan Ross and Clan Munro, both Scottish clans of Ross-shire in the Scottish Highlands.

History

Origins in Scotland

The names Vass and Wass were originally de Vallibus or Vaux and were derived from John Vaux or de Vallibus who was a Norman settler and who witnessed a charter in Kincardine, Sutherland by Alexander III of Scotland in 1252.[1][2]

Scottish clan affiliations

As the Munros and Rosses were closely associated, it was only natural that their dependents are found having served both families.[3] In 1487 the Battle of Aldy Charrish took place between the Clan Ross and the Clan Mackay in which many of the name Waus were killed.[4][3] Historian of the 17th century, Sir Robert Gordon, 1st Baronet records that among those that were slain were: "Alexander Ross of Balnagown, Mr. William Rosse, Alexander Terral, Angus McCulloch of Terrell, William Rosse, John Wasse, William Wasse, John Mitchell, Thomas Wause, Hutcheon Waus."[5]

In the year 1500 or 1501, the Battle of Drumchatt took place, fought between the Clan Mackenzie and the Clan Munro who were led by William Munro, 12th Baron of Foulis.[1] Amongst the slain was William Munro's sheriff, Alexander Vass of Lockslinn.[1][2] In 1515 Elizabeth, the Countess of Sutherland was served heir to her brother, John de Moravia, 9th Earl of Sutherland before the principal barons of the neighbourhood, including John Vass of Lochline.[1][2]

In 1512, John Vaus of Lochslyn received a grant from James IV of Scotland to anew lands which he had resigned for a yearly payment of one pound of cucumeris, or of three pence at Whitsunday.[3][4]

Castle

Loch Slin Castle (Lochslin) as drawn in 1870 near Fearn, Highland, where the Vass family were seated

The Vasses were seated at Lochslin Castle in Easter Ross from the 15th-century until 1603 when they were declared rebels.[6] The castle is mentioned in a charter of the Vasses in 1590.[6] Their successors at Lochslin Castle were the Munros of Meikle Tarrel.[6]

References

Vass, History Of cadzow.com.au. Quoting: The Septs of the Highland Clans. Retrieved 16 August 2016.
Adam, Frank (1908). The Clans, Septs, and Regiments of the Scottish Highlands. Edinburgh and London: W. & A.K. Johnston. p. 173. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
Vass, History Of cadzow.com.au. Quoting: Septs and Regiments of the Scottish Highlands. Retrieved 16 August 2016.
Adam (1908). p. 176.
Gordon, Sir Robert. (1580 – 1656). A Genealogical History of the Earldom of Sutherland. p. 78 Originally written in the 17th-century, re-published in 1813.
Stell, Geoffrey. (1986). Architecture and society in Easter Ross before 1707. p. 116.