According to legend, the Turnbull clan were given their name after William of Rule, the clan’s progenitor, wrestled a bull to the ground saving the life of King Robert the Bruce.
For his feat, William would be awarded lands near Selkirk, signalling the beginning of the clan. Over time, the clan would go on to settle in the Borders and would construct castles and towers such as Fatlips Tower and Barnhills Tower.
The clan is currently armigerous – meaning it does not have a clan chief.