In 1592 Jean Erskine, daughter of Alexander Erskine of Gogar and sister of Sir Thomas Erskine, 1st Earl of Kellie, married George Auchinleck of Balmanno.

During the Gowrie Conspiracy of 1600 when Alexander Ruthven, son of the 3rd Earl of Gowrie, lured James VI to the Ruthvens’ house in Perth, Gowrie House, Sir Thomas Erskine of Gogar and Sir Hugh Herries killed the 3rd Earl’s brother, also Alexander, and may also have killed the 3rd Earl. As a reward for coming to his aid the King granted the lands and castle of Dirleton to Sir Thomas.