Clan Douglas
Robert Scott, fifth of Buccleuch succeeded to the family estates in 1402 after his father, Walter, was killed in battle. In 1420 he acquired half of the lands of Branxholme, consolidating the family estates. He was active in supporting the Crown in the struggle to suppress the power of the Clan Douglas. When the king's cause prevailed Scott was rewarded with tracts of Douglas land. In 1463 Branxholme became a free barony on the annual payment of a red rose to the Crown on the feast day of St John the Baptist.