Background
Bruce was born in Clackmannanshire on 24 December 1718, the son of Alexander Bruce of Kennet (died 1747) and Mary Balfour.
Bruce was born in Clackmannanshire on 24 December 1718, the son of Alexander Bruce of Kennet (died 1747) and Mary Balfour.
He was admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in 1743. He served as Professor of Public Law at Edinburgh University (1758-1764) and was appointed Sheriff-Depute of Stirling & Clackmannan in 1760. He was elected a Senator of the College of Justice, as Lord Kennet, in 1764 and Lord of Justiciary in 1769.
He died on 8 April 1785.
Bruce was the uncle of James Abercromby, 1st Baron Dunfermline. His brothers-in-law included James Stuart-Mackenzie (1719-1800), Alexander Abercromby, Lord Abercromby (1745-1795), James Edmonstone (d1793).
Faculty of Advocates.
