Flemming states, [1]
The Right Honourable John Elphinston acquired from his kinsman, Lord Lindsay, in 1497, Agnes of Erth's share of Erthbeg, and thus held Erthbeg, Barony of Airth, and lands of Craigforth direct off the King, the charter being granted for "good and faithful counsel and assistance," presumably at the battle of Sauchieburn, where he acted a conspicuous part and was called the "King's familiar shield bearer." He dropped the name of Pendreich and retained only that of this Barony. He died in 1508.
Alexander, his son, who succeeded him about 1509, was a great favourite of James IV., who created him Baron Elphinston, erected his various lands into a Barony, and appointed him a Privy Councillor and Keeper of Stirling Castle, besides being officially attached to the Court.
[1] J. S. Fleming, Ancient Castles and Mansions of Stirling Nobility (Paisley: Alexander Gardner, 1902), 185, [HathiTrust].