Forbes, DUNCAN

Forbes, DUNCAN, of Culloden, Lord President of the Court of Session, was born either at Culloden or at Bunchrew—for the family possessed both estates—in the neighbourhood of Inverness, on the 10th November 1685. In 1704 he commenced his legal studies in Edinburgh, and completed them at Leyden. On his return from Leyden he was called to the bar, and almost immediately after appointed Sheriff of Midlothian. He rose rapidly into practice and into political influence through his connection with the great Duke of Argyll. During both of the rebellions he acted a prominent part on the side of the Hanoverian government. In 1715 he was in the north actively engaged in opposing the rebels along with his elder brother John. After the suppression of the rebellion he was opposed to the project of carrying the prisoners out of Scotland to be tried by English juries; and he was opposed to the forfeitures also on grounds of policy as well as of humanity. The only effect of his moderation was to bring suspicion on his own loyalty. In 1725 he became Lord Advocate. He was not distinguished as a debater, but he was much employed at this period of his career in appeal cases. In 1734 his brother John died, and he succeeded to the estates of the family. During many subsequent years he largely ruled the destinies of Scotland and contributed to her dawning prosperity by fostering and developing her internal resources. His policy, even before 1745, was to extinguish the rebellious temper by gaining over the Jacobites to the government, and by forming Highland regiments under loyal colonels. Forbes was appointed President of the Court of Session in 1737; but he still continued his interest in the general improvement of the country. Though he was aware of the character and, in general, of the designs of the Jacobites, the rebellion of 1745 took him by surprise. But he was no sooner aware of the danger than he hastened to the north, as he had done on the occasion of the former out- break; and by his presence and the influence which he possessed in his own district, he did much to counteract the proceedings of the rebels. Lovat made an attack on Culloden House, from which he was beaten off with great spirit by the president and his people. When the rebellion spread he was compelled to take refuge in Skye; and on his return after Culloden, instead of reaping the fruits of his services, he was regarded with jealousy and aversion by the government. Even the large sums of money he had advanced were never repaid him. The ingratitude of the government and the disasters brought on the country by the rebellion shortened his days; but he discharged his judicial duties till within a month of his death, 10th December 1747. See Hill Burton's Lives of Lord Lovat and Duncan Forbes of Culloden (1847).