Hannays Return To Sorbie

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 4 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over, cast off one place and meet in the middle of the set facing up. (This makes an 'H' shape.) 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.
5- 8 1st man, with 2nd and 3rd women, dances right hands across once round to finish in the middle of the set facing up. At the same time, 1st woman, with 2nd and 3rd men, dances left hands across once round to finish in the middle facing up.
9-16 1st couple dance a figure of eight round 2nd and third couples. To begin, 1st couple dance up to the top of the set and cast behind 2nd couple, 1st man behind 2nd woman and 1st woman behind 2nd man, then they dance down between 3rd couple, cast up behind them to finish in 2nd place on the opposite sides. (This makes 'S' shapes.)
17-20 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off two places to the bottom of the set. 3rd and fourth couples step up on bars 19-20.
21-24 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 1st couples, giving right hands, turn partners once round.
25-32 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 1st couples dances eight hands round and back in a circle.

Repeat 3 more times with a new top couple.

(Dance crib compiled by the deviser, Helen Russell June 2014)

Dance Notes

(Dance notes by the deviser, Helen Russell June 2014)

Dance Information

Recommended music: Hannays Return To Sorbie.

(Dance information by Gerry Hanney, 2024)

In 1296, Gilbert de Hannethe is recorded on the Ragman Rolls submitting to Edward I of England (The Ragman Rolls were a collection of documents from the 13th century, listing the names of Scottish nobles and landowners who pledged allegiance to King Edward I of England). This Gilbert may be the same individual who obtained the lands of Sorbie. The Hannays were distrustful of Robert the Bruce's aspirations and instead backed the claim of John Balliol. Balliol traced his descent from the Celtic Princes of Galloway through his mother, Lady Devorgilla.

During the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, the Hannays expanded their influence across the neighboring region, which included the construction of Sorbie Tower, which remained the seat of the Clan Chief until the seventeenth century.

In the early 17th century, the Clan Hannay became embroiled in a lethal feud with the Clan Murray of Broughton, leading to the Hannays being declared outlaws. Consequently, numerous Hannays migrated to Ulster, where the name remains prevalent in significant quantities in County Antrim, County Down, and County Armagh.

Patrick Hannay enjoyed a notable military career and received patronage from Queen Elizabeth of Bohemia, who was the daughter of James VI of Scotland and the sister of Charles I of England. After the death of Queen Anne who was the wife of James VI in 1619, Patrick Hannay composed two eulogies and in return had many published on his own death, one of which said: 'Go on in virtue, aftertimes will tell, none but Hannay could have done so well'.

Sir Robert Hannay of Mochrum was granted a Nova Scotia Baronetcy in 1630. From the Sorbie roots, the Hannays of Grennan, Knock, Garrie, and Kingsmuir also emerged.

In 1582, Alexander Hannay, a younger son of the chief of Hannay of Sorbie, purchased the lands of Kirkdale in the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright. His son, John Hannay of Kirkdale, founded the lineage that is presently acknowledged by the Lord Lyon King of Arms as the chief of the name and arms of Hannay.

A younger son of Hannay of Kirkdale, Alexander Hannay, pursued a career as a professional soldier, administrator, and adventurer. He amassed a considerable personal fortune in 18th-century India, achieving the rank of colonel. His elder brother, Sir Samuel Hannay of Kirkdale, inherited the title and estates of their relative, Sir Robert Hannay of Mochrum, Baronet. The succeeding Baronet, Sir Samuel Hannay, served the Habsburg Emperors and constructed a mansion on the family lands. This mansion is believed to have inspired Walter Scott's novel, "Guy Mannering". Sir Samuel passed away in 1841, and the estate transferred to his sister, Mary, and subsequently to her nephew, William Ransford Hannay, from whom the current chief descends.

Chief Ramsay William Rainsford Hannay passed away on January 10, 2004, in Gatehouse-of-Fleet, Scotland. He was succeeded by his son, Dr. David R. Hannay, who is the current (2024) Clan chief.

In 1965 the ancient clan seat, Sorbie Tower, was presented to the clan trust and a maintenance scheme was put in place.

Sorbie Tower is a late 16th-century tower house with an L-shaped structure, constructed of rubble. It is situated discreetly in a wooded area near the B7052 road between Garlieston and Sorbie village, approximately 1 mile east of the village of Sorbie.

Clan Hannay And Sorbie Tower - Information Video

Sorbie Tower, Ancient Seat Of Clan Hannay

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