The original lands and castle of Cariston in Fife was built by the Balfours.  Upon succession to the estate by Sir John Seton, 2nd son of George 6th Lord Seton, by marriage to Isabel, dau. and heiress of Balfour of Cariston, Sir John Seton became the 1st Baron of Cariston.

During the absence of his brother George 7th Lord Seton, abroad, a report of his lordship's decease having reached Scotland, Sir John Seton was put in possession of his whole estate, as appears by a charter under the Great Seal, dated 1545.  He also assumed the titles of Lord Seton, and sat in parliament as a peer; but, on his brother's return, was justly dispossessed of both estates and honours, but stepped aside honourably and returned to his estate of Cariston.