In 1540 the lands of
Castleton, Eliotstoun, Schutirflat, Nethir-Pennell, Hairstontoun, Lavane, Bargane and Lecheland were incorporated into the new Barony of Semple, together with other lands in Lanark and Ayr. The new barony was held by William, Lord Sempill and the principal dwelling or
messuage was Castle Semple. Most of the lands within the parish of
Lochwinnoch were once held by the Semples of Elliston.
The Lairds The family have a number of recorded variations in their surname, including Sempill, Semphill, Sempil, Sempel and Semple. In about 1220 Robert Sempill,
seneschal to the Barony of Renfrew, held 'Elziotstoun' from the high-steward of Scotland and sometime prior to 1309, a Robert Sempill of 'Elziotstoun' is recorded. Sir William Sempill in 1474 held the baronies of Elliston and Castleton, as did John, the first Lord Sempill in 1505.
Marjory Bruce An interesting story is told of how the Sempill's came to hold the 'Lands of Sempill' that circa 1316 involves
Marjory Bruce, daughter of
Robert the Bruce and her son,
Robert II : - "''In this shire, at a part called the Knok, on Greiff near Ranfrow, was King Robert, called Blear-eye, cutted out of his mother's womb by Sir John Forrester of Elliestoun (who being hazarded on extremity to use that remedy to preserve the child's life, the Queen having there taken her child ill, being on the fields and dying, the child being quick in her belly) who before that was reputed a simple man – from whence the House of Sempill and Lords thereof have their name, and a part of their estate."'' The Lands of Knock lie near Gallowhill between
Paisley and
Renfrew. A memorial cairn now stands on the spot where the heavily pregnant Princess Marjory, wife of
Walter Stewart, 6th High Steward of Scotland, is said in some accounts to have fallen from her horse and broken her neck.
Elliston Castle of the Lord Sempill Elliston Castle or tower was a late medieval tower house with an attached courtyard which was probably abandoned after the Sempills moved to
Castle Semple, In 1905 the old castle is recorded as
still standing, but in exceedingly ruinous condition. Further demolition took place in 1950 due to the dangerous condition of the castle. A vaulted basement existed and in the thickened south-eastern wall a stairway and mural chamber may have existed. The end walls probably had opposing arched windows. ==Communications==