Clergyman. In the 1520s Reid came to prominence as Sub-Dean of Elgin Cathedral. In 1528, he was appointed Abbot of Kinloss Abbey and is credited with having been the first to introduce an organised system of education to the area. He continued as Abbot until 1553, when he was succeeded as his nephew, Walter.
Reid went on to serve as Bishop of Orkney (from 1541) and Lord President of the Court of Session (from 1543), remaining in both positions until his death. Reid left money which ultimately endowed the foundation of the University of Edinburgh.