 A local legend involves nearby Girgenti House and its prominent tower with smuggling.An estate named Auchenharvie was built by the family in Stevenston and although demolished, the name lives on in Auchenharvie Academy.Middleton near Annick Lodge had been part of the estate, passing into the hands of the Hamiltons of Bourtreehill and then passing to the Earls of Eglinton.