After studying in Aberdeen he travelled in France, Spain, and Italy, where his sword was as active as that intelligent curiosity of his which is evidenced by his familiarity with three languages and the large library which he brought back, according to his own account, from sixteen countries he had visited.
On his return to England he entered the service of Charles I., who knighted him in 1641.

Next year, after the death of his father, he went to Scotland to set his family affairs in order, and to redeem his house in Cromarty.
But, in spite of another sojourn in foreign lands, his efforts to free himself from pecuniary embarrassments were unavailing.

At the king's death his Scottish loyalty caused him to side with those who opposed the Parliament.

Formally proscribed in 1649, taken prisoner at the defeat of Worcester in 1651, stripped of all his belongings, he was brought to London, but was released on parole at Cromwell's recommendation.

After receiving permission to spend five months in Scotland to try once more to settle his affairs, he came back to London to escape from his creditors.
And there he must have died, though the date of his death is unknown.