Career
Trotter was commissioned into the Grenadier Guards in 1862. He was promoted to Major-General in 1895 and appointed Major General commanding the Brigade of Guards and General Officer Commanding the Home District in 1897, serving until 1903. During preparations for the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902, Trotter acted as Chief Staff Officer to the Duke of Connaught, who was in supreme command of the troops taking part in all military ceremonies connected with the coronation.
He lived at Mortonhall in Edinburgh and leased land to the Mortonhall Golf Club when it was formed in 1892.
He was also Deputy Lieutenant of Berwickshire.