Sir David Dalrymple (circa 1665-1721) fifth son of James, 1st Viscount of Stair, had a distinguished political and legal career. He was admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in 1688 and created a Baronet in 1701. Sir David began his political career when he represented Culross in the Scottish Parliament from 1698-1707. He was a Commissioner for the Union, 1706, MP for Haddington Burghs, 1708-1721, Solicitor-General for Scotland, 1701-1709, Lord Advocate, 1709-1711 and 1714-1720, Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, 1712-1721, and Auditor-General of the Exchequer, 1720-1721. Sir David acquired the estate of Hailes in East Lothian and other extensive properties in the county and in Edinburgh following the bankruptcy and murder of Sir James Stansfield in 1687 (see MSS.25710-25742). Newhailes, formerly Whitehill, near Musselburgh, was purchased in 1707. Work began on Newhailes house shortly afterwards. Sir David married Janet, daughter of Sir James Rochead of Inverleith, widow of Alexander Murray of Melgund in 1691.