An ancient hill fort or caer in a prominent location close to the main route north from the border was chosen by the good Queen Margaret in the year 1058 as the site of one of her first six churches established in the see of Glasgow.

Due to the prominence of the site, she dedicated the church to St. Michel and the district and its peoples became of Caermichel when surnames were necessitated in the thirteenth century.

[1] The grant of this large piece of Douglas land was undoubtedly a reward for the prowess of Sir John and the Carmichael men.

[1] In 1421, during the Battle of Baugé, he rode in combat against the English commander, Thomas, Duke of Clarence, a Knight of the Garter and brother of King Henry V of England, unhorsed him and broke his own spear in the action.

[1] Catherine Carmichael, daughter of Sir John, who was captain of Crawford Castle, became the mistress of James V of Scotland and bore him a son, who was half-brother to Mary, Queen of Scots.

[1] He had been a favourite of James VI of Scotland, was knighted at the coronation of the king's queen, Anne, and was later sent on a diplomatic mission to England.

[1] Sir John was also Captain of the King's Guard, Master of the Stables, warden of the west marches and a Privy Councillor.