Scottish Nobility. Earl of Erroll.

The Earl of Erroll is a title in the Peerage of Scotland, and one of the most historically significant and distinctive in the Scottish nobility. The family who hold this title are the Hays of Erroll, and they are most famously known for their hereditary role as Lord High Constable of Scotland.

Key Aspects of the Earldom of Erroll

Origin of the Title

• Creation: The Earldom of Erroll was created in 1452 for William Hay, 1st Lord Hay of Erroll.
• Family: The Hays are an ancient Scottish family with Norman origins, who established themselves in Scotland in the 12th century. They became prominent landowners in Perthshire and Aberdeenshire.

The Hereditary Lord High Constable of Scotland

This is the defining feature of the Earldom of Erroll:

• Ancient Office: The office of Lord High Constable of Scotland dates back to the 12th century. It was originally one of the most powerful offices in the kingdom, responsible for maintaining law and order within a 6-mile radius of the King’s person and acting as the commander of the Royal Army in the King’s absence.
• Hereditary to the Hays: The office became hereditary in the Hay family, specifically to the Earls of Erroll, in 1314 (or shortly after), following the Battle of Bannockburn, for the loyalty of Sir Gilbert Hay to Robert the Bruce.
• Unique Status: The Lord High Constable is the senior-most hereditary peer in Scotland after the members of the Royal Family. This means that at state occasions in Scotland, the Earl of Erroll holds precedence over all other dukes, marquesses, and earls.
• Duties Today: While the military and judicial functions are now largely ceremonial, the Earl of Erroll still performs duties at coronations, state openings of Parliament in Scotland, and other significant royal events.

Clan Chief

The Earl of Erroll is the hereditary Chief of Clan Hay. The clan’s traditional gathering place is Delgatie Castle, though the family’s main seat has historically been Slains Castle (old and new).

Notable Figures

• Sir Gilbert Hay (d. 1333): The individual who secured the hereditary Constableship for the family due to his unwavering loyalty to Robert the Bruce.
• Mary Hay, 14th Countess of Erroll (1671–1718): A staunch Jacobite who held the office of Lord High Constable during a very turbulent political period. She was known for her fierce loyalty to the Stuart cause.
• Jocelyn Hay, 22nd Earl of Erroll (1901–1941): A dashing and enigmatic figure whose unsolved murder in Kenya (the “Happy Valley” murder) was a major scandal in the 1940s.

The current holder of the title is Merlin Hay, 24th Earl of Erroll, who also serves as the Lord High Constable of Scotland.