Along with many clergy with Episcopalian sympathies Duncan was rabbled from his parish in 1688, struck and abused, his furniture smashed, and he and his family thrust out of doors.
Although the Old Pretender’s campaign was unsuccessful and he returned to mainland Europe, contact with Episcopalians continued (indeed, John Walkinshaw acted as his ambassador in Vienna[1]), and church appointments were presented to James Edward Stuart for approval.
At this period, Episcopal clergy in Scotland could be licensed officially if they took an oath and agreed to pray for the monarchs who had replaced James VII and II.
In 1728 a new Episcopal meeting house was opened in Broad Close opposite the old university buildings in Glasgow's High Street, with a Mr. Wingate as its minister.
Bishop Duncan died at Glasgow in January 1733, aged 78, leaving a son, Robert, a daughter, Grizzell, and quite a lot of debt.