Gilbert de la Hay - 5th Baron of Errol

Gilbert de la Hay was a Scottish Nobleman and Lord High Constable of Scotland who supported King Robert I during the First Wars of Scottish Independence.

Born around 1270 at Lochorwart Castle, now the site of Borthwick Castle, Gilbert was the son of Nicholas de la Haye, 4th Baron of Errol, and his wife, Joan. As a descendant of Norman ancestors who settled in Scotland in the 12th century, his lineage underscored his noble heritage.

Continuing this tradition of alliance, Gilbert married Mary Fraser, daughter of Sir Simon Fraser of Oliver Castle. Together, Gilbert and Mary had one child, Nicholas de Hay.

On March 27th, 1306, Gilbert de la Hay was present at the coronation of Robert the Bruce at Scone Palace. And later in 1306, Gilbert was in command of the King's bodyguard at the Battle of Methven on June 19th.

By June of 1306, Gilbert became the 5th feudal Baron of Errol in Gowrie following his father's death. Acquiring Oliver Castle and lands in Peebles through marriage after Sir Simon Fraser's death in September of the same year, he emerged as a major landowner in Scotland.

Building upon his growing influence, in 1309 Gilbert was appointed Lord High Constable of Scotland, entrusting him with the King's safety and command over royal forces. In 1314, this position became hereditary, ensuring that the title remained in the family.

Gilbert's service continued as he fought alongside Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in June of 1314, which resulted in victory for Scotland. Following this triumph, he was selected as an Ambassador of Scotland and sent to England to negotiate a truce.

In recognition of his loyalty, Robert the Bruce granted Gilbert the lands of Slains and Slains Castle (Old Slains Castle), which became the seat of the Hay family. Furthermore, in April of 1320, Gilbert was among those who signed the Declaration of Arbroath, a letter from Scottish Barons to Pope John XXII that supported King Robert's response to his excommunication in 1317 and affirmed Scotland's independence from England.

Tragically, Gilbert's family was not untouched by the ongoing conflicts; in August of 1332, his only son, Nicholas de la Hay, was killed at the Battle of Dupplin Moor, fighting against Edward Balliol.

Gilbert de la Hay died on July 19th, 1333, at Slains Castle and was buried at Coupar Angus Abbey, continuing the family tradition. His grandson, David de la Hay, succeeded him as Lord High Constable of Scotland and 6th Baron of Errol, ensuring the continuation of the Hay family's hereditary office, which endures to this day.