Tom writes:

"William Caldwell was Chancellor 1350-52."

This is interesting. It signifies the likelihood that William survived the Plague. Tom, what is the reference or source for this information as to the dates during which William Caldwell served as chancellor? Is it the Exchequer Rolls?

"Both families [Brsibanes and Caldwells] are reputed to have come to Scotland in the train of the FitzAllans. They occupied areas close to each other."

Tom, is there anyway you can provide a sketch or map showing the location of the occupied areas? Also, a reference to the historical document would be helpful. The phrase, "reputed to have come" leaves me unconvinced.

"A Sir Adam Mure granted land to a Thomas Caldwell of
Todriggs at Kempisland in 1496 this was held until
1610 and eventually passed to the Brisbanes."

Tom, is there anyway you can provide a sketch or map showing the location of the occupied areas?
Also, a reference to the historical document would be helpful.

"The Brisbane's the Mure's and the Caldwell's were
obviously moving in the orbit of the Stewart family in
the mid-1300's - two Chancellor's and a Chamberlain.
It seems logical that this had been going on for at
least 200 years at the time (since the FitzAllan's
first presence in Scotland) and here is evidence of
business ties (if not loyalty or kin) going through to
at least the mid-1600's. This is a period of 500 years. One would think that something would show up."

Houston, we have a problem. What is the text or historical document that might shed light on clarifying this relationship? I imagine that Tom has looked at a lot of documents that were unrevealing. Perhaps only a trip to Scotland can unravel the mystery. Does anyone have a suggestion?

"The thrill of the chase is good but the frustations are almost as great."

Tom, you are doing wonderful work so please do not give in to the frustrations. I download much of what you report, although I have not responded much to what you post. Like many of us who are descendants of people from Scotland, I have a strong interest in Caldwell kinfolk, although my ancestors were from the lowlands, not the highlands. I am White Anglo-Saxon Protestant, so I cannot say my interest in genealogy reflects Celtic nuture or nature. Reading about the Caldwells entertains me.