The Nisbet papers fall into four groups, belonging respectively to the Nisbets of that Ilk, the original owners of the estate; the Kers (later Carres) of Cavers and West Nisbet; who acquired the estate in 1649; the Chisholmes of that Ilk, connected by marriage to Charles St Clair, 15th Lord Sinclair, who succeeded to the estate some time before 1813; and William Molleson, probably related to the sister of Charles St Clair, de jure 13th Lord Sinclair.