The estate of Brabstermyre is in the parish of Bower.
The estate of Swinzie is in the parish of Latheron.
BRANCHES of the family of Mowat possessed Brabstermyre early in the sixteenth century; and Swinzie in the seventeenth century.
I. The first MOWAT OF BRABSTERMYRE seems to have been GILBERT MOWAT, who in 1517 obtained a charter from Keith of Inveruggie. No doubt Brabstermyre had formed part of the estates of the Cheynes, which were acquired by the Keiths, through their alliance by marriage with the Oheynes. Gilbert Mowat was succeeded by his son, Malcolm.
II. MALCOLM MOWAT OF BRABSTERMYRE got a precept in 1541-42 from William Keith, Earl Marischal, and his spouse. He had a son, John.
III. JOHN MOWAT OF BRABSTERMYRE got a precept in 1583 from George, Earl Marischal. He had a son, Andrew.
IV. ANDREW MOWAT OF BRABSTERMYRE got a precept as heir to his father, In 1595, from George, Earl Marischal. He was twice married; first to Elizabeth Sinclair; and, secondly, to Elizabeth Knowles, who survived him, and who, in 1637, is designed as his relict. He had three sons and two daughters: -
I. The Mowats of Swinzie appear about 1638, when we find PATRICK MOWAT OF SWINZIE, who married Elizabeth Leask, and was succeeded by -
II. ALEXANDER MOWAT OF SWINZIE, who married Jean, daughter of Hugh Halcro of that Ilk.
In 1644 Roger Mowat, Advocate, appears as "heritable proprietor" of Swinzie, but he was only an adjudging creditor. Alexander Mowat had two sons: -
IV. HUGH MOWAT OF SWINZIE is mentioned as late as 1687 and 1698. In the latter year he sold the lands to George Sinclair of Barrock, and they are now known as Lochend.