Euphemia Elphinstone

Euphame Elphinstone (also known as Euphemia Elphinstone) (b. 11 May 1509 – d. 1542) was the daughter of Alexander Elphinstone (born c.1480, died at Braxton, Northumberland in the Battle of Flodden, 9 Sep 1513), who was created Lord Elphinstone in 1510, and of Elizabeth Barlow (Berclay) of Aberdeenshire (c.1476 – 10 Sep 1518). The family came from Elphinstone in Stirling.

Euphame married John Bruce (c.1507 – March 1546/1547) of Cultmalindie, a descendant of Robert the Bruce; their five children were Laurence Bruce, Robert Bruce (born c.1536), Henry Bruce (born c.1538), James Bruce (born c. 1540) and Euphamie Bruce (born c. 1542). Euphame was also a mistress of James V of Scotland, producing Robert Stewart, 1st Earl of Orkney (c.1535 – 1593). She died in 1542.

Euphame’s brother, Alexander, Lord Elphinstone was born on 22 May 1510. He died at Edinburgh following the Battle of Pinkie on 10 September 1547. He is the ancestor of the Elphinstone Family.

Euphame’s two most significant children were Laurence Bruce and Robert Stewart. Their families were to become closely entwined in the Shetland Islands, of which Laurence Bruce was appointed Sheriff by his half-brother.