Robert Blair of Avontoun, Judge

Biographical Summary

"Son of the Reverend Robert Blair, minister of Athelstaneford, author of the celebrated poem entitled The Grave, was admitted advocate 7th August 1764, and soon obtained extensive practice at the bar. He was for several years one of the assessors for the city of Edinburgh, and was one of the Depute Advocates, while his relation Henry Dundas of Melville held the office of Lord Advocate. He was nominated Solicitor General 31st of October 1789, and chosen Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, 6th June 1801, in the room of Robert Dundas of Arniston, and continued in that office till he was promoted to be Lord President on the 16th November 1808, at which time the Court was divided into two divisions. His Lordship character and splendid abilities are well known. He died very suddenly on the 20th of May 1811...

...A statue of this eminent judge, by Chantrey, has been placed in the first division of the court, by subscription solely from Members of the College of Justice."

SOURCE: * An Historical Account of the Senators of the College of Justice: From Its Institution in MDXXXII; by George Brunton, David Haig; 1832; Page 546

Other References

• BBC - Your Paintings - The Right Honourable Robert Blair (1741–1811), Lord President of the Court of Session (1808–1811)
• Wikipedia contributors. "Robert Blair, Lord Avontoun." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.