The principal pillar decorated with the arms of the Cathcart Family and built entirely at their expense can be seen in Paisley Abbey. There is also the Cathcart Aisle and the resting place of the first Earl, William Schaw Cathcart, inscribed with the family motto "I hope to speed".
It will be remembered that it was the custom to make generous gifts to the church and this family was renowned for its religious zeal. They appear to have been over-generous since it was at this time (1546) that the Castle 'had to be sold to the Lords of Sempill.
Tradition has it that long after the incident, this pillar commemorated the safe return of Sir Alan Cathcart from the battlefield in Spain where he and other Scottish knights led by Sir James Douglas carrying the heart of Bruce to the Holy Land found themselves in the thick of battle against the Moors. Sir James flung the casket containing the heart before him into the affray, crying, "Lead on, brave heart, as thou wast ever wont to do. Douglas will follow thee", and in so doing the gallant Sir James Douglas was slain. The casket was later'retrieved and brought back by Sir Alan and others and laid in Melrose Abbey.
Cathcart Old Parish Church ever reminds us of its early connection with Paisley Abbey, as stated on its notice-board, viz., "attached to Paisley Abbey 1160-1560, Disjoined from Presbytery of Paisley 1596".
FOOTNOTE
"The Heraldic Arms of Scotland" describes the Cathcart Arms as-Azure, 3cross crosslets fitche issuant from as many crescents argent.