David Cunningham of Robertland

Sir David Cunningham of Robertland, in Ayrshire, was Master of Works to the Crown of Scotland from 1602 to 1607, and Surveyor of the King's Works in England from 1604 to 1606 Involved in the murder of the Earl of Eglinton in 1585, Cunningham spent some time in exile at the royal court of Denmark, and the Danish government wrote to James VI of Scotland to reconcile him with Eglinton's heirs.

[1] His lands passed to Lord John Hamilton, but for a time Robert, Master of Eglinton was allowed to hold the House of Robertland with six men.

[4] On arrival in Scotland he was appointed as 'sewer' or 'principal server' to Queen Anne, a courtier who attended to the royal person at mealtimes, and a role once occupied by James Hamilton of Finnart for James V.[5] In January 1592 Robertland was imprisoned on suspicion of helping the Earl of Bothwell who had made a raid on Holyrood Palace.

The Duke was subsequently treated with great honour and expense, sent on a tour of Scotland with William Schaw, and banqueted in Edinburgh the house of John MacMorran, now called Riddle's Court.

[10] Significant buildings and monuments in Scotland in his time of office include; the Kennedy Aisle at Ballantrae for Jean Stewart, Lady Bargany.