Ownership of Barncluith passed from the Hamiltons to the Ruthven family in the 19th century. At this time the gardens at Barncluith were renowned as an example of an old Scots garden, and were popular with visitors to the area. It was bought in 1908 by lawyer James C. Bishop, who restored the gardens. In 1927 Hamilton Palace was demolished, and Bishop secured a number of fragments of carved masonry which he brought to Barncluith and re-used as garden ornaments. These include a large carving of the Hamilton coat of arms.