Biography

Robert Dundas. (1713-1787) (aka. 4th of Arniston, Lord President)

4th Lord Arniston. Son of Robert Dundas (1685-1753) and Elizabeth Watson, dau of Robert Watson of Muirhouse. Brother of Henry Dundas (1742-1811). Married (1741) to Henrietta Carmichael (d. 1755), dau of Sir James Carmichael, Bart of Bonnytoun. Married (1756) to Jean Grant, dau of William Grant, Lord Prestongrange. He had at least 10 children.

Dundas studied law at Utrecht University (as David Dalrymple and James Boswell after him) and in 1738 was called to the bar. Solicitor General for Scotland (1742-1746). Member of Parliament of Midlothian (1754-?). Lord Advocate for Scotland (1754-1760). Lord President of the Court of Session (1760-1787).

Dundas came from a family of proud traditions within the legal profession, his father having also reached the high rank of Lord President (as the 3rd Lord Arniston), his grandfather having been a judge in the Court of Session and his great-grandfather (the 1st Lord) having been a senator.

Life with James Boswell:

Boswell probably knew Dundas from a fairly early age, Dundas being an advocate and judge in Edinburgh and thus a colleague of Boswell's father. JB mentions visiting Arniston House on 28/10-1762 together with John Webster, being "but dull at Arniston". We can only assume that Robert Dundas himself was also present, although Boswell doesn't mention him on this occasion.

On 29/6-1763, shortly before leaving for Utrecht, Boswell wrote to Dundas that experience had now taught me that my father is as wise as myself, and that I am to follow his plan of life. I thank his Lordship for his former good offices while I was an idler, and hope he will not withhold them from me when I endeavour to be a man of business.

External links:

• Statue of Robert Dundas
• On the Death of Robert Dundas - by Robert Burns
• Dundas Family Tree - from Stirnet
• Arniston House - pictures and history

This article was last updated at February 01 2008 09:33:23 CET

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