Note 926 — THE PREFACE (continued 4)

Failfurd, the seat of a convent of Red Friars, in the parish of Torbolton, Ayrshire, was founded in 1252. "The chief who ruled this convent," says Chalmers, "was styled Minister. The Minister of Failfurd was Provincial of the Trinity Order in Scotland. From being the head of the Order, he appears to have had a seat in Parliament." (Caledonia, vol. iii. p. 492.) In 1540, Robert Cunningham, a natural son of William Earl of Glencairn, at the age of twenty-two, was appointed Minister; and he sat in Parliament among the clergy in 1546; and also in 1560. "William Wallace, brother to John Wallace of Cragy, had a letter of presentation to the benefice of the ministrie of Failfurde, vacant be deceis of umquhile Robert Cunnynghame, last minister thairof," dated 18th April 1576. (Register of Signatures.)