File:Kenmure Castle (17) the boar's heads of Gordon (4183847317).jpg

The arms of Gordon above the main door - which are probably older than the wall they are set in, with the viscount's coronrt above.

(Cont. from last photo) Sir Alexander Gordon of Lochinvar, the eldest son, fell at the battle of Flodden with James IV and most of the rest of the Scottish nobility, about a year after succeeding to the family estates. His only child, Janet Gordon, claimed her father’s lands, but after a long process before the lords of council, she was obliged to renounce her right to her uncle, Sir Robert, who obtained from her a charter of the lands and baronies of Kenmure, Lochinvar, etc. dated 10th May 1516. He died about 1520.

Sir Robert’s eldest son, Sir James Gordon of Lochinvar, had the appointment of king’s chamberlain for the lordship of Galloway, for five years, by a writ dated 16th March 1528, and by another writ, dated 13th April 1537, he was constituted governor of the town and castle of Dumbarton, and chamberlain of that lordship. With Sir James Douglas of Drumlanrig, and thirty-seven others, he had in 1529, a remission for the slaughter of Thomas Maclellan of Bombie on the High Street of Edinburgh. In 1536, he was one of those selected to accompany King James V on his matrimonial expedition to France. He died at the battle of Pinkie, 10th September, 1547.

Sir James’ eldest son, Sir John Gordon of Lochinvar, was in 1555 appointed justiciary of the lordship of Galloway. He was a strong supporter of Mary Queen of Scots, with the result that following her defeat, Kenmure Castle was besieged and completely destroyed in 1568 by the forces of the Regent Moray.

Sir John’s eldest son, Sir Robert Gordon of Lochinvar, is described as having been one of the strongest and most active men of his time. As a border chieftain he distinguished himself both against the English and the men of Annandale, who, when the former drove away their cattle, were in the habit of supplying their losses by plundering, in their turn, their neighbours in Galloway. Having gone to court, he was appointed one of the gentlemen of the king’s bedchamber. At a tournament proclaimed by his majesty, Sir Robert Gordon was one of the three successful champions, to whom prizes were delivered by the princess Elizabeth, afterwards the unfortunate queen of Bohemia. He died in November 1628, leaving two sons and two daughters.