Fortunately for the future of the lineage of Houstons, Sir Peter’s only son, Patrick, apparently too young for war, was spared from the Flodden disaster and lived to continue the family line. He succeeded to the estate under the guardianship of his mother, Lady Helen Schaw Houstoun. The name of Schaw or Shaw was one closely related to the Houstons even down to the American Colonial times.

The youthful new heir is designated as Sir Patrick Houstoun II. The Roman numerals are not officially a part of the name, but such numbers are used in this work to distinguish the numerous Houstoun barons who had the same given names. Patrick II married Janet Cunninghame, another name long associated with the Houstouns through marriage.

Tragedy continued to follow the Houstouns in this era as well as their firm friends, the royal house of Stewart. The unfortunate successor to the throne of Scot]and was James V, who was less than two years old at the time of his succession. His mother was named regent under terms of his father’s will, but the child became the pawn of political struggles between would-be regents as well as between Scot and English.

Young Houstoun and the still more youthful king were firm personal friends and doubtless shared some pleasures and adventures together as well as suffering mutual misfortunes. The young king bestowed the honor of knighthood on his loyal subject and friend.

King James, when he grew to manhood, was like his father, cultured and handsome. He had red hair and was sometimes called "Red Tod," meaning red fox. One of his favorite escapades was to disguise himself and mingle with his common subjects.