Uploader's Comments

With reference to Hamilton Estate, there are two sets of pillars, an inner central set and an outer set. The outer set have a mullet (heraldic star) on the RH & LH sides,
a cinqefoil ermine facing front, and a fleur-de-lis to the rear. They do not appear to have been used as gateposts.
The inner set have the same configuration, but have been used to hold up substantial gates at some time. All the pillars are topped with eight carved lion heads, two each facing front, left, right, and rear.
The outer set have a carved top to look like a leaded roof, while the inner set have what appears to be a pedestal with carved scrolls set into the top, possibly to accomodate another piece of sculpture or metalwork which is now missing.
I believe the mullet represents the Douglas Family, The Cinqefoil ermine (the animal tail surmounted by three dots) represents the Hamilton family, and the Fleur-de-lis the French connection, possibly via the Chatelherault Dukedom.