The name Oliphant came from the Norwegian name Holifard/Holifarth. David Holifard who came back north with King David I from whom he received lands in Roxburghshire. David Holifard saved the King's life at the Battle of Winchester in 1141. A descendant of the above David was Sir William Oliphant who played an important role in the struggle for Scottish independence. He defended Stirling Castle during the wars and in 1320 after being set free signed the Declaration of Arbroath, a letter from Scottish barons to maintain Scottish independence and support Robert I. His son Sir Walter Oliphant of Aberdalgy married the Princess Elizabeth youngest daughter of Robert the Bruce as appears by a charter of David II erecting the lands of Gask in Perthshire. His descendant Sir Laurence Oliphant of Aberdalgy was the first Lord Oliphant. He had three sons, John the 2nd Lord Oliphant, William from whom descended the Oliphants of Gask and George who was styled of Bachilton. The heir was killed at Flodden in 1523 and the 3rd Lord Oliphant was taken prisoner at Solway Moss in 1542 and ransomed. The 4th Lord was a loyal supporter of Queen Mary of Scots and was one of those who acquitted Bothwell of the murder of Darnley and later signed the bond for Bothwells marriage with the Queen. He also fought at her final defeat at Langside in 1568. The heir was involved in the Raid of Ruthven in 1582 when James VI was kidnapped. He was banished and never seen again. His son succeeded and dissipated the entire estates barr Gask which was already in the hands of a cadet branch. The title was not passed onto his daughter but decided by Charles I to go to a cousin, Patrick. The Oliphants of Gask the cadet branch continued the line and were noted for their strong Jacobite sentiments. They were "out" in 1715 and in 1745 when the house was routed by English troops after Culloden. The Scottish poetess, Carolina Oliphant (Lady Nairne) was born in 1766 of the family of Gask. Her celebrated poems include "Charlie is my Darling" and "Will ye no come back again". The tartan worn by the Oliphants is generally referred to as "Oliphant and Melville" although there seems to be no apparent family connection.