Chief of the Clan

The Chief of Clan Pringle is unknown at present. The Hoppringles of that ilk, afterwards the Pringles of Torsonce, on Gala Water, were the Chiefs of the clan and the senior branch of the family. The last Clan Chief was John Hoppringle of that Ilk and Torsonce, who died on 21st December 1737. His only daughter, Margaret, married Gilbert Pringle, 2nd son of the 2nd Baronet of Stitchill, carried the estates into that branch of the family (which were sold by the 6th Baronet of Stitchill).

According to Burkes Landed Gentry, John Pringle of Lees then became heir male, but his family is also is extinct (Ref. - Burke's Landed Gentry, Supp. P.262).

However, according to the book ‘Records of the Pringles,’ John Hoppringle of that ilk had a younger brother called James Pringle, who had two sons. The eldest called Thomas Pringle, and the younger called James Pringle, who was a wright and burgess of Edinburgh. It is yet unknown if they had issue. (Ref. -Records of the Pringles of the Scottish Border, pages 26-29. By Alex Pringle, Published 1933, Edinburgh.)

The Lineage of the Hoppringills/Pringles of that ilk and Torsonce (according to Alex Pringle).

• Robert De Hoppryngil (Reign of King Alexander III of Scots)
• Elias De Hoppringill (Tenant of the bishop of St Andrews) Also spelt Elys De Obrinkel and Helias De Hoprigkil.
• Thomas and Adam De Hoppryngel (Squires to the Earls of Douglas) Also spelt Oppringyl, Hopprynghil, Hoppryngill and De Hoppringill.
• William Hoppringill of that ilk.
• Adam (1) Hoppringill of that ilk. Who had 3 sons: Thomas, Archibald, Sir Andrew.
• Thomas Hoppringill of that ilk.
• Mariotte of that ilk (Daughter of Thomas of that ilk).
• Adam (2) of that ilk and De Burnhouse (son of Archibald), (Royal Guardsman of King James III of Scots).
• Alexander Hoppringill of that ilk and Burnhouse Who had 5 sons: John, James of Tynnes (founder of the Pringles of Buckholm), George, William, Robert.
• John (1) of that ilk, Torsonce and Burnhouse. Who had 4 sons: Thomas, Michael, James and Archibald of Torquhan.
• Thomas Hoppryngill of that ilk and Torsonce. Who had 2 sons: James and George.
• James of that ilk. Who had 2 sons: John and Robert.
• John (2) Pringill of Torsonce. Who had 4 sons: James, Thomas of Symington, William and John.
• James (2) Hoppringle of that ilk and Torsonce. Who had 4 sons: George, William, James of Rowchester and John.
• Captain George Hoppringle of that ilk and Torsonce. (Royalist Army of Charles II, in 1676 appointed Lieut-Colonel of the Duke of Monmouths and Buccleuchs Militia Regiment of Foot). Who had 2 sons: John and James.
• John (3) hoppringil of that ilk and Torsonce. Who had a daughter: Margaret. His brother James had 2 sons: Thomas and James.

For more information about Clan Chiefs, see:

ClanChiefs.org/heraldry/the-search-for-clan-chiefs/

Lord Lyon: Guidance as regards the holding of a Derbhfine or Family Convention

Wikipedia - Scottish Clans

Wikipedia - Scottish Clan Chief

Wikipedia - List of Scottish Clans

Wikipedia - Armigerous Clans

Clans-Families.org - The Council of Scottish Armigerous Clans and Families.

ClanChiefs.org - The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs

Cosca.net - The Council of Scottish Clans and Associations