Bughtrig has been owned by only three families throughout its recorded history. Originally held by the Dickson family from at least the 13th century, the estate was sold to the Frank family in 1695 before returning to the Dicksons in 1839. In the early 20th century it was inherited by Admiral of the Fleet Sir William May (whose mother was a Dikson).  In 1938 the house was bought by Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay and Lady Ramsay, she having been brought up at the neighbouring Kames estate.  Admiral Sir Bertram, renowned for commanding the Dunkirk evacuation and serving as Allied Naval Commander-in-Chief for the D-Day landings, was killed on active service in 1945. The Ramsay family has remained at Bughtrig ever since, with successive generations maintaining and modernising the house. A major restoration completed in 2013 preserved its historic character while introducing modern infrastructure and sustainable technologies, ensuring Bughtrig continues as a family home for the 21st century.