He was created a baronet in the Baronetage of Nova Scotia on 6 January 1700. In 1727, he was appointed "Sole Master of Works, Inspector and Director-General of all royal buildings in Scotland" by King George II, with responsibility for repairs and alterations to royal palaces and castles north of the border.
2nd Parliament of Great Britain. 3rd Parliament of Great Britain. 4th Parliament of Great Britain.
6th Parliament of Great Britain.
7th Parliament of Great Britain. 8th Parliament of Great Britain.
5th Parliament of Great Britain]
He served as Member of Parliament for Anstruther Burghs from 1708–1712 and from 1713–1715 and for Fife from 1715–1741.
