He was born at 36 George Square in Edinburgh[1] on 16 April 1803, the son of Adam Maitland of Dundrennan. He was educated at the High School in Edinburgh then studied law at the University of Edinburgh, graduating with an MA.[2]
He served as Sheriff of Argyllshire from 9 July 1851, until becoming solicitor-general for Scotland under Lord Palmerston from 14 February 1855 to 17 March 1858, and from 27 June 1859 to 10 November 1862.
As a lord of the court of session, with the title of Lord Barcaple, he sat on the bench from 10 November 1862 till his death. He was curator and assessor of the University of Edinburgh in 1859, and rector of the University of Aberdeen in 1860. The University of Edinburgh awarded him an honorary doctorate (LLD) in later life.
He died at 3 Ainslie Place, on the Moray Estate in west Edinburgh, on 23 February 1870. He is buried on the north wall of Dean Cemetery adjacent to the central gap leading to the north extension.
Family
In 1840, he married Emily Roberts (1813–1854) a daughter of William Roberts, a Glasgow banker.
They had daughters Ann Maitland (1852–1915) and Helen (1846–1915) and a son Thomas (1849–1929).[3]
Arms
Coat of arms of Edward Maitland, Lord Barcaple
Crest
A demi-monk vested Grey holding in the dexter hand a crucifix Argent in the sinister a rosary Proper.
Escutcheon
Quarterly 1st & 4th a lion rampant dechanssé within a bordure embattled Gules 2nd & 3rd the ruins of an old abbey on a piece of ground Proper.
