Arniston House

Image: © kim traynor Taken: 18 Aug 2010

The Rev. John Clunie laid it on a bit thick when he described the house's occupants in the Old Statistical Account in the 1790s. He was clearly trying to defend the Dundas dynasty against mounting criticism from their Whig opponents. "In the law department, the Dundases of Arniston have made a conspicuous figure. Two of the heads of that respectable family were Presidents of the highest civil court in this country; and by their knowledge of law, and dispatch in business, as well as by their unwearied attention to the particular causes which came under their review, and the equity of their decisions, did credit to the choice of their Sovereign, and were of the highest importance to the civil interests of their country. From this family too are some living characters, who cannot in justice be passed over in silence. The Right Honourable Henry Dundas, Secretary of State, &c. is not only distinguished as a statesman over all Europe, but his well earned fame has extended beyond the Eastern and Western Oceans. His strong attachment to his native country is well known, and the essential services which he hath rendered it, must, in spite of the envy of his political enemies, be acknowledged by every candid and unprejudiced mind. The family from which he is descended by no means seems to degenerate. The younger branches, who now may be said to be only entering on public life, promise to do honour to the respective professions which they have chosen. Their mental abilities can only be surpassed by their steadiness in friendship, their strong attachments, and amiable winning manners. Of their present representative, the writer of this paper shall suppress the impulse which he feels, and forbear to say any thing particular, lest he should be accused of flattery, which he detests, or of partiality, by which, from certain circumstances, he may in this instance be biased." Image

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