This formed part of the larger Carnwath Estate including the barony of Dalzell, which had been held by the family since the fourteenth century.

This was to be sold by the third and fourth Earls to help pay the fines of their father and grandfather for their part in supporting the Royalist side during the English Civil War.

This act also provided "that his lawful son Gavin, Lord Dalzell, shall enjoy not only all the estates but the title of Earl as if his father were dead".

Lord Carnwath's action was misinterpreted by the royalist soldiers as a signal to move back, leading to a collapse of their position.

For his role in the rebellion the Hanoverian government passed a Writ of Attainder for treason against Lord Carnwath in 1716.

a kinsman, and favourite of that king, being taken prisoner by the Picts, was put to death, and hung up upon a gallows in view of the Scotch camp.

King Kenneth being highly provoked and incensed at the affront, offered a considerable reward to any of his subjects who would take down, and carry off the corpse; but, for some time, none would venture to undertake the dangerous enterprise.

At last, a gentleman of more spirit and courage than the rest, said "dal zell", which, in the old Scotch language, signifies, 'I dare'.