The recorded history of the town began with the granting of land in the area to Walter fitz Alan, the High Steward of Scotland by King David I of Scotland in the 12th century.
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The Great Stewardship of Scotland was granted to Walter Fitz Alan by David I, and came to the Sovereign through the accession of Robert Stewart, son of Walter Stewart, 6th Great Steward of Scotland, and of Marjorie Bruce, Princess of Scotland, daughter of Robert I, as Robert II in 1371.
A castle was built in the 12th century by Walter fitz Alan, High Steward of Scotland out of wood with stone foundations after being granted lands by King David I of Scotland.