A descendant of Sir William Ruthven, Sir William Ruthven of Balkernoch, spent three years as a hostage in England for the ransom of James I of Scotland. This William Ruthven was a substantial nobleman. His income was stated to be about four hundred merks annually, which was about £100 at the time. In 1488, his great-grandson was created a Lord of Parliament with the title Lord Ruthven, by James III of Scotland. He married twice and his sons by his first wife were granted a letter of legitimization in 1480. The eldest of the sons was William, Master of Ruthven, who was killed at the Battle of Flodden in 1513.