Est. c.1150, Lothian, Scotland
Nine Centuries of Preston History
The Prestons are one of Scotland’s ancient landed families, their name derived from the Old English preost-tun — the priest’s settlement. From their ancestral seat in Lothian, the clan spread across Scotland and, through centuries of war, commerce, and emigration, across the world. Their story is one of loyalty to the Scottish Crown, fierce independence, and enduring faith.
Today, descendants of the Preston line live on every continent. This registry is the first step toward reuniting them under their ancient banner — and petitioning the Lord Lyon King of Arms in Edinburgh for formal recognition as a standing Scottish clan.
A Chronicle
Key Dates in Preston History
c.1150
The Preston family establishes itself in Lothian, Scotland. The name appears in early charters associated with the lands of Preston near Prestonpans on the Firth of Forth.
1374
Sir William Preston acquires Craigmillar Castle near Edinburgh, which becomes the principal seat of the Preston family for two centuries. The castle passes to the Crown and is later used by Mary, Queen of Scots.
1454
Sir William Preston gifted a relic of the True Cross — the Holy Rood — to St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, a gesture of profound piety that cemented the family’s standing among Scotland’s Catholic nobility.
1563–1567
Mary, Queen of Scots uses Craigmillar Castle as a retreat and holds council there. The Craigmillar Bond, plotting the fate of Lord Darnley, is believed to have been signed within its walls. The Prestons remain loyal to the Queen.
17th Century
The Preston family disperses during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. Lines spread to Ireland, England, and the American colonies. Many Prestons serve as officers in the Scottish regiments of the period.
18th–19th Century
The great wave of Scottish emigration carries Preston descendants to America, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The name Preston becomes common across the English-speaking world while retaining its Scottish roots.
2026
The Clan Preston Registry is established, bringing together descendants worldwide. Our goal: to gather 2,500 registered members and present a formal petition to the Lord Lyon King of Arms for official clan recognition.
Heritage Sites
Preston Family Historic Locations
Select a location below to explore key sites associated with the Preston family across Scotland.
The Preston clan history Scotland chronicle continues today through the work of Clan Preston’s Seanchaidh and volunteer researchers around the world. For those seeking formal clan recognition, the process is overseen by the Court of the Lord Lyon King of Arms in Edinburgh — the heraldic authority of Scotland since the 14th century.
To learn more about Craigmillar Castle and its history, visit the Historic Environment Scotland page for Craigmillar Castle or the Wikipedia article on Craigmillar Castle.
Be Part of the Story
Your name belongs in this history.
Every Preston descendant who registers strengthens the case for formal recognition. It takes two minutes.
Register as a Descendant