In the mid-15th century, the head of the family was raised to the peerage as Lord Cathcart, and it is believed that the castle was built at around this time.

The Semples were supporters of Mary's enemies and would have captured her and put an end to her plans before the battle had started.

[6] In 1740 the Semples built Cathcart House, also since demolished, nearby, and moved out of the castle, leaving it to ruin.

The newly created 1st Earl Cathcart bought back his ancestral home in 1814, although with the intention of selling off the stone rather than living in it.

[9] During archaeological investigations a fragmentary plaster armorial dating from the 1630s with the arms of Bryce Semple and Jean Lauder of Hatton was discovered.