On the town council of Edinburgh in 1771 , he filled the office of treasurer in 1773 -- 4 .
On the town council of Edinburgh in 1771 , he served three consecutive terms as Lord Provost from 1790 to 1800 in total .
On the town council of Edinburgh in 1771 , he filled the office of treasurer in 1773 -- 4 , and served three consecutive terms as Lord Provost from 1790 to 1800 in total .