INNES, Robert 3rd of Innermarkie

   Cause of his death was murder.

  General Notes:

"Robert the third baron of Invermarkie, was grandson of Robert Innes the 2nd baron. John Innes 17th of that Ilk, was going to die without heirs, so he transfered the title of clan chief and estates to Alexander Innes 3rd Laird of Cromey. Robert, being the richest branch of the family, thought he should be Chief, so resolved to murder Cromey. Robert didn't object to Cromey being heir, only the way he took over the title and lands of John before his death. Both John and Alexander lived at Kinnairdy, and Robert Innes proceeded to feed John lies about Cromey. His Chance came in 1580 when Cromey's son fell ill while attending college in Aberdeen. Robert, John and other co-conspirators entered the house, Robert shot Cromey, and got the whole lot involved with the murder, by getting every one to plunge a dagger into the dead Cromey, including John Innes the ex-clan chief.

John Innes (Son of Alexander of Coxton and Janet) was roused out of bed (He was also at school in Aberdeen), to plunge the reeking dagger into the body of his murdered chief. This caused a lot of arguments, and in September 1584, firstly Robert the 3rd baron of Invermarkie was himself murdered (by Alexander Innes of Cotts and Leuchars), and then the laird of Innes burnt the newly built place of Coxton to the ground, probably due to John Innes of Coxton's involvement with the murder. This created a long legal wrangle with Robert Innes 4th Baron of Invermarkie and Robert the laird of Innes, so it was a long time before the laird of Innes paid Alexander the sum of 7,000 merks and 2 termes for damages (1 merk = £1/3 = 1s 4d !!). Invermarkie later changed his title to Balvenie, as the name Invermarkie was always linked to the murder of Cromey."

from History of Coxton Tower