James Hamilton, Lord Pencaitland

He was born in Edinburgh on 28 August 1659 the son of judge, Robert Hamilton, Lord Presmennan and his wife Marion Denholm.^[1]

Trained as a lawyer, he was created a Writer to the Signet in February 1683.^[2] In 1698 he bought the Pencaitland estate east of Edinburgh.^[3] There he built Pencaitland House (destroyed by fire in 1878).^[4] In November 1712 he was elected a Senator of the College of Justice in place of Dugald Stewart, Lord Blairhall and adopted the title "Lord Pencaitland".^[5]

In 1726 he stood down from most roles due to gout. He died in Edinburgh on 30 May 1729. His position as Senator was filled by John Pringle, Lord Haining.^[6]

His portrait, by Juriaen Pool, is stored at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.^[7]