Why are the Wauchopes not found listed as early intimate associates of the Bruce family in Scotland then?
It is well known that the Bruce family was early on seated in Annandale. The Wauchopes likely had at times held land in the area as well. Evidence advocates that a large branch of the Wauchopes sided with the Comyns against the Bruces during the unrest of the War of Succession and Independence (1290-1328). Recall that the Lindsays, who supported the Bruces, came into possession of the majority of Wauchopedale of Dumfriesshire in 1285. It is not certain who held the land prior to that, perhaps the Wauchopes. Also recall that a branch of the Wauchopes, who also held lands somewhere in southern Scotland (possibly these very lands), were said to have been driven from Leys in Aberdeenshire at about this same time. Much of this land ended up in the hands of the Burnetts, supporters of the Bruces. Thus, years later when the Wauchope family s history was recorded, this onetime close relationship between the Wauchope and Bruce families possibly dating back to Normandy may have been forgotten. I
