Overview of Robert Dundas of Arniston

Judge and politician. The son of another Robert Dundas (1685 - 1787) and the fifth in a line of notable lawyers and politicians. Like his father, Dundas studied at Utrecht University in the Netherlands and was called to the Bar in 1738. By 1742 he was Solicitor General for Scotland, although he resigned from this post in 1746. He rose to become Dean of the Faculty of Advocates and was elected Member of Parliament for Midlothian in 1754. He was appointed Lord Advocate in the same year. He also served as Lord President of the Court of Session (1760 - 87) and wielded considerable power in the country.

The poet Robert Burns (1759-96) wrote the ode 'On the Death of Robert Dundas Esq., Late Lord President of the Court of Session'. Dundas was succeeded by his son, another Robert (1758 - 1819).