Dishington is a surname of Scottish origin. The name first arises in Northumberland where they were seated as lords of the manor in the shire of Dissington, Northumberland.
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Spelling variations of this family name include: Dishington, Dischingtoun, Dissington, Dissyngton, Dyshington, Diston and many more.
History
Much of what is known of the early history of the Dishington family comes from a monograph by local historian Walter Wood entitled The East Neuk of Fife: its history and antiquities.
The family history begins with Sir William Dishington who is listed among the compatriots of Alexander Ramsay of Dalhousie. Sir William married Elizabeth Bruce, daughter of King Robert Bruce and sister of Robert the Bruce (aka King Robert I). He held charters from King Robert and his son David II to the lands of Balglassie in Aberlemno and Tollyquhond in Forfarshire. He died around 1360.
Upon his death, Sir William's two sons split his estate: his son William (also styled Sir William Dishington) inherited the lands of Ardross, while John received lands in Longhermiston.
William the younger was held in high honor at the court of Edinburgh, holding positions of honor including bachillanus seneschal, Master of the Fabric of St. Mohan's Church, and in 1370, Sherriff of Fife. It is believed that William the younger was responsible for the construction of Ardross Castle. William had two children: son Thomas and daughter Elspath.
The generations of Dishingtons continue as:
In Orkney
John Dishington was one of the Gentleman Adventurers of Fife who, in 1597, attempted to seize the Isle of Lewis from Clan MacLeod after the latter's claim to the land was set aside owing to constant feuding of the clan with neighbors and amongst themselves. When the attempt failed, many of the Adventurers (Dishington included) retreated to Orkney.
In Orkney, John found employment in the household of Robert Stewart, 1st Earl of Orkney, where he served as sherriff and commissary of Orkney and Shetland, as well as attorney to Lord Robert.
John's son Andrew served as master of the grammar school in Orkney, and Andrew's son James served the Stewart family as an agent in Bergen, Norway. James married and remained in Norway, beginning the Scandinavian branch of the Dishington name.