I went to search around at my clan's website to look at the history, and I found this very interesting:
5th Earl (1547-1574): Alexander Cunninghame
Like his father, he supported the Reformers and openly encouraged John Knox to return to Scotland. Known as the "good earl", Alexander and Knox became firm friends. In fact, it is said that Knox gave his first communion under the yew tree which still stands at Finlaystone. While on the battlefield, Alexander was no slouch. He mustered and led 2,500 men to Perth to defend the cause and also opposed Mary Queen of Scots’ return to Scotland. He disavowed her marriage to Darnley and in the name of the Protestant forces, was in the forefront in the battles of Carberry Hill and Langside.
