Harkness is an ancient Scottish name the origin of which dates back to the earliest days of Scotland’s recorded history. The first evidence of the name is that of Thomas, a farmer in the Pentland Hills near Edinburgh in 1280. Possibly the ancestor of all who hold the name. The Harkness name has been associated with many key events in Scottish history. Early Harkness Scots were chaplains, notaries, soldiers, merchants and farmers. Holders of the name participated in the centuries long fight to defend the Scottish Border and ensure Scotland’s survival as a nation. There is evidence they may, in the 15th century, have fought in France – with Joan of Arc to free the French from English rule – and as part of the Gardes Ecossaises, the elite bodyguard to the French kings. Records of the 16th century show them as chaplains in St. Giles Cathedral, Scotland’s premier church, and burgesses in Edinburgh, the nation’s capital. Many were Reivers, that band of warrior/farmers and cattle rustlers famous and infamous in Scottish ballads and history, above all fighting to maintain their livelihood and freedom. Those of the Harkness name played a prominent and fatal part in the 17th century as Covenanters in Scotland’s fight for religious freedom. With other famous Scottish border families they went to Ulster and helped establish a proud tradition there. Many, along with their Scottish cousins, moving on to become pioneers in America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Africa.

Harkness – a name as proud and ancient as Scotland itself.

The aim is to provide an information and resource centre, archive and focus for future research on the family’s history and of the individuals who have held the name Harkness.

(The site is a work in progress. Please be patient as my skills in web page construction are limited. I have a great deal of material to add but it will take time).