Weir

The Norman word "vere", from which this name derives, comes from the same Norse root as the old English "weir"meaning "dam". This gave rise to several place names both north and south of the border (eg. Bridge of Weir). Other possible etymologies are the Gaelic patronymics mac a mhaoir ("son of the steward") or mac an fhuibhar ("son of the smith") both of which appear in modern times as Mac Nair. Ralph de Ver was captured along with William the Lion at Alnwick in Northumberland in 1174. He witnessed a charter of the bishopric of Moray sometime between 1174 and 1184. The Weirs of Blackwood in Lanarkshire, who were to become the principal family, claim descent from Radulphus de Vere although they do not appear holding their lands until around 1400. This name brings with it some association with the blue-blooded de Veres from Normandy. Other Weirs appear as vassals of the Abbots of Kelso and held lands in Lesmahagow. Some of the Macnairs in Cowal have anglicized their name to Weir. Richard Wer appears in the Ragman Roll, rendering homage to Edward I of England in 1296. In the same year, the sheriff of Edinburgh was ordered to restore to Thomas Le Wer certain forfeited lands. George Were received remission for his part in the burning of the town of Dumbarton in 1489. Major Thomas Weir was captain of the Edinburgh Town Guard in the late seventeenth century. In 1649 he formed the escort for the doomed Marquess of Montrose. Twenty years later, Major Weir had retired but was still well known in Edinburgh for his fervent Protestant beliefs and great gift for prayer. At one meeting, Major Weir suddenly announced that he often committed adultery, and had also indulged in incest with his sister. His sister Jean recalled that the devil often took her brother in a fiery coach drawn by six black horses from the West Bow to Musselburgh and back. The major was in due course was burnt at the stake on 11 April 1670. His sister was hanged at the Grassmarket. For long years after his death, the people of Edinburgh would claim that the major could sometimes be seen riding about the West Bow on a headless horse, only to vanish in a burst of flames. In 1938 William Weir, born in Dumfriesshire, who was Secretary of State and Chairman of the Air Council (1918), was created 1st Viscount Weir.