of Edinburgh, Session 1880 - 81 . 
109 
collateral and adventitious surroundings. No judge ever commanded 
more completely the confidence and respect of the profession. On 
the Bench his previous training behind the Bar came to be of 
material assistance, as it assured practitioners of the familiarity of 
the judge with details with which the Bench and Bar are not 
always conversant. Accordingly, while he sat as a single judge in 
the Outer House, his Bar was popular, and his judgments, carefully 
considered, commanded a large measure of confidence; while his 
short but efficient career in the Inner House was one of unbroken 
ability and power. He was vigorous to the last, although on the 
verge of fourscore years. Neither his intellect nor his athletic 
frame indicated any abatement of his strength when he last appeared 
on the Bench, but a few weeks before his fatal illness commenced. 
He has left behind him that inheritance for which all honourable 
aspirants after forensic distinction strive, a reputation for judicial 
ability and integrity w T hich will be long remembered. 
Lord Ormidale married a daughter of his friend, Mr Greig. He 
survived her many years, and has left a large family. In private 
he was a warm-hearted, genial, and pleasant companion, of a 
kindly, generous nature, indulgent to error, but intolerant of 
meanness or deception. His hot Celtic blood was easily quickened 
by anything like injustice or oppression ; but even just resent- 
ment did not long retain its hold on him. Kindly and generous, 
he was a firm friend, and a sagacious, as he was an experienced, 
counsellor. Although he had reached an age beyond the usual limits 
of life, no one ever associated with the impulsive and ready vigour 
of his thoughts and his demeanour the decrepitude of age. His 
was a useful as well as a successful life to the end : and while the 
public gratefully remember, and deeply regret the loss of so valuable 
a servant, many a friend will long think, with a heavy heart, that 
his animated features, cheerful voice, and ready sympathy, will meet 
them no more. 
For myself, I render this slender tribute to his memory under a 
sense of a grave personal bereavement. I sat side by side with him 
for six years, and no man could have had a more loyal and trust- 
worthy colleague, or a truer, more trusted, or more attached friend. 
