The Clan Don, with roots in Berwickshire, Scotland, has a notable history associated with the Don family. One prominent figure in its lineage is Sir Alexander Don of Newton, later named Newton Don, who earned the title of Baronet of Nova Scotia on June 7, 1667. Sir Alexander Don was a distinguished soldier in the Southern Fencibles Regiment and later the Berwickshire Regiment.
The Don family’s legacy extends through generations, with Sir Alexander’s son, also named Alexander (1780-1826), making significant contributions. He served as the Member of Parliament for Roxburghshire, showcasing the family’s involvement in politics. Additionally, Alexander played a role in the Roxburgh militia and later served in the Berwick Yeoman Cavalry.
Marriage alliances played a crucial role in the Don family’s history. Sir Alexander Don married the sister and co-heir of the last Cunningham Earl of Glencairn, solidifying connections with other prominent Scottish families. The family later integrated with the Wauchopes of Niddrie, influential Edinburgh nobles in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The fusion of these two esteemed names led to the adoption of the Don-Wauchope surname.
Despite changes in land ownership, the Baronetcy title persisted within the Don-Wauchope family. The historical significance of Clan Don lies in its military service, political representation, and strategic alliances, making it a notable part of Scottish history.