Masters of Paisley Kilwinning

William Cochrane 7th Earl of Dundonald succeeded to the title of 7th Lord Cochrane of Dundonald on 28 May 1737 (first Earl succeeded the title from the Earl of Abercorn). He lived in the old Palave of the Abbot, better known as the Old Place of the Abbey in Paisley. He became the 20th member of Paisley Kilwinning in 1749 and second master in 1752 and 1753. By all accounts, he was a real trouble maker, forming gangs to fight other young people at local fairs.

Probably due to his wild character, he joined the army with the rank of Captain and took some of his gang to America. He fought in the Siege of Louisbourg during the 7 Years War (French and Indian War in the United States) where he was killed in 1758.

Bro. Boyd Porterfield Esquire of that Ilk joined just after the 7th Earl as the 24th member and became the fourth master in 1755 and 1756. He gave his name to the lands of Porterfield at Renfrew and acquired many lands including Duchall at Kilmacolm. One of his sons, Lt William (Boyd) Porterfield joined Paisley Kilwinning in 1763 while serving with the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry (32nd Foot) which was based in Edinburgh Castle. The following year the regiment was posted to America where he was killed in action. Two of his daughters married brethren from the lodge.

Bro. Boyd built Ducall House and also had Porterfield Mansion in the High Street, Glasgow near Ingram Street which had been built in the middle of the 16th century. It was demolished in 1870 when the High Street was widened. He died in 1795 and is buried in the family vault in Kilmacolm.