The first of this branch of the family to take the designation "of Burnetland" was John Burnet, who first appears about 1400 and died before 1470. He married Marion Claverhill, daughter of George Claverhill of that Ilk and through this marriage the family acquired the lands of Barns, from which they afterwards took their designation.

William, born about 1546, became perhaps the most famous of the line. He was known as the "Hoolet of Barns" due, most likely to his keenness of sight. He is said to have been of great stature and bodily strength and lived to the ripe old age of 107 years.

Some of Hoolet's children became prominent in local and national affairs. His second son James graduated from the College of Edinburgh in 1609 and was admitted Minister of Lauder in 1615. He remained at Lauder until 1635 when he was inducted to Jedburgh by King Charles I. Another son, Alexander, was a Treasurer-Clerk of Scotland until 1639 and also served as H. M. Advocate-Depute. A third son, Robert, was also an advocate and was designated "The Younger" to distinguish him from Robert Burnett of Leys, also an advocate.

Captain William Burnet, great-grandson of Hoolet, joined the army with the Earl of Mar's Scottish Fusilier Regiment, "The Grey Breeks". He was wounded at the Battle of Selkirk in July 1692 and died from his wounds 4 months later. He was unmarried as was his brother Walter who was killed in Flanders shortly thereafter.

Since there were no other males in the direct line, William Burnett of Kailzie and Barns, first cousin to Captain William and Walter succeeded to the estates. This William's great-grandson, James Burnet of Barns, born May 16, 1776, sold the Barns estates in 1838. He died in 1855.

There is no known legal representative of this family. It may be that many of the family migrated to North America and Australia.

Information provided by: Mary Dunklee, Secretary and Membership Chairperson, House of Burnett & the House of Burnett website