 From an early period, he took an active interest in promoting manufactures and agriculture.In the parish of Deskford, he opened, in 1752, a large bleachfield, and in Cullen, Moray he established a manufacture for linen and damask.From 1754 to 1761, he was one of the commissioners of customs for Scotland, and in 1765 he was constituted one of the lords of police.