His father was of very turbulent disposition, and in October 1630 several friends whom he had invited to stay in the tower at Frendraught Castle to protect him from the threatened assault of his enemies were burnt to death there under circumstances that threw suspicion on himself.

He took part in the last expedition of James Graham, Marquis of Montrose, and was present at the Battle of Carbisdale (1650).

In the rout Montrose's horse was disabled, and Frendraught gave him his own, which enabled him to make good his escape for a time.

[1] Some sources state that Frendraught died some time between 14 July 1664 and 17 August 1665[2] by his own hand on the field of battle.

[1] Others state that Frendraught died in the autumn of 1663 after having failed to secure aid from King Charles II.