George Bruce of Carnock

George Bruce was the brother of Edward Bruce (1548-1610), sons of Sir Edward Bruce of Blairhall, Clackmannanshire [later in Fife], by Alison, sister of Robert Reid, Bishop of Orkney, both children of William Reid of Aikenhead, Clackmannanshire. Edward Bruce jnr., was in 1601/2 created Lord Bruce of Kinloss.[1][2] George married Euphan, daughter of Archibald Primrose, Writer, whose son, James, was Principal Clerk to the Privy Council.[3]

The memorial to Sir George Bruce of Carnock

Bruce was an innovator in coal mining techniques, introducing undersea mining into the Upper Hirst seam with use of new drainage technology.[4] These innovations attracted much interest, including a visit from King James VI in 1617. Sir George Bruce invited him to visit one of his mines which tunnelled down beneath the sea bed. James ventured into the tunnel which went far out into the Firth of Forth and found himself at a shaft point where the coal was loaded onto the ships. Alarmed to find himself surrounded by water at the top of the shaft, James accused Sir George of an attempt on his life and declared that the whole affair was an act of treason. It was only when George Bruce pointed out the rowing boat and explained that one could either use that or return by the tunnel from whence they came that James relaxed again - and took the option of the boat journey.[5]

Bruce's factor at Helsingør in Denmark was Frederick Lyall, or Leyell, who managed his exports of salt.[6] Lyall was involved in buying a jewel given by the Earl Marischal to Anne of Denmark at her proxy marriage to James VI[7]

From 1597 George Bruce was involved in a lengthy legal case involving shipping heard in London. The Bruce, a ship he owned, coming from Ferrol encountered the Julian of London and a ship of Southampton, and two pinnaces. The Julian shot at the Scottish ship to bring it to. The English ships were overloaded with men captured from Spanish ships, and 53 African and Portuguese men were transferred to the Bruce. A week later an English Man-of-war took the Bruce as a prize, its master, one Busbrig, thinking it to be a Spanish ship because of the number of captives. Although the ship was restored to Bruce, his original cargo of Spanish wine was lost, drunk by the Portuguese captives or spoilt. When she ship returned to Leith the Provost of Edinburgh, Alexander Home of North Berwick, and the English diplomat Robert Bowes took witness statements from the crew.[8]

Bruce claimed in the London Admiralty Court for the value of the wine from John Clerk, owner of the Julian. Bruce's brother, Edward Bruce, then ambassador in London urged the lawyer Julius Caesar to help, but he thought the details of the case were unclear and not yet fit for hearing on 21 April 1598 because the other English captain involved, John Newton of the Spanish Company, had not been questioned . In September James VI instructed the diplomat David Foulis to discuss the case with Queen Elizabeth and Sir Robert Cecil.[9]

Bruce's residence at Culross Palace.

Between 1597 and 1611,[5] Bruce built a mansion house in Culross, using materials from his foreign trading. This building has subsequently become known as Culross Palace. He lavishly decorated the palace and the stunning painted ceilings, ornate features and panelling can still be seen. Culross Palace is now under the care of the National Trust for Scotland and has been restored to its 17th-century splendour.[10] The palace building, which had faded to a white wash has been restored to its original yellow-orange exterior. The courtyard path and the garden have also been remodelled, with the garden now full of vegetables, herbs and plants, growing as they would have done in the 17th century.[11]

Sir George and Lady Bruce effigies in Culross Abbey

Bruce died on 6 May 1625 and was buried in Culross Abbey (now used as the parish church of Culross and Torryburn). His outstanding memorial (in the north chapel) has himself lying with his wife whilst his eight children, three sons and five daughters, pray, facing outward at the base as half-size figures.

In 2015 he was inducted into the Scottish Engineering Hall of Fame.[12]

• Sir George Bruce's tombstone