Mitchell is derived from the name Michael which was originally Hebrew but arrived in Scotland through France. In 1489 John Michell had a remission granted to him for his part in holding Dunbaron Castle against King James III. In Orkney, Michael as a forename is pronounced Mitchell and St. Michael's Church in Harray is known locally as St. Mitchell's Church. Andrew Mitchell, a Scot, was responsible for introducing the steam engine into Denmark in 1790. The tartan worn by the Mitchell's is also worn by the Russells, Galbraiths and Hunters but the reasons for this are obscure.