of Uyeasound (which was the harbour for the castle), after Earl Robert was succeeded by his son Patrick Stewart, 2nd Earl of Orkney in 1593. Later events proved that Laurence Bruce had good reason to fear the aggression of Earl Patrick. In 1608 Earl Patrick sent a force to besiege the castle, but the attackers abandoned their assault. In 1610 Laurence Bruce testified against Earl Patrick before the Privy Council in Edinburgh. Following a rebellion in Orkney, in August 1614 the Privy Council appointed Laurence Bruce a Commissioner and charged him with apprehending any rebels who might seek shelter in Shetland. Laurence Bruce died at Muness castle in August 1617 and was buried inside the old church at nearby Sandwick. Ownership of the castle passed to his second eldest son Andrew Bruce of Muness, a quieter and more popular man than his father. Laurence Bruce's eldest son, Alexander Bruce of Cultmalindie, returned to the mainland of Scotland to run the family's property in Perthshire. Illegitimate sons include Scipio Bruce of Meikleure. William Bruce of Symbister, his nephew or son, married Marjorie Stewart, a daughter of John Stewart (an illegitimate son of James V) and Jean Hepburn. References Clark, John, Genealogy, Records and Intermarriages of the Fordyce, Bruce & Clark Families at Uyeasound, Unst, Shetland, 2nd ed. (Falkirk, 1902). Ballantyne, John H. and Smith, Brian (eds.), Shetland Documents 1195 - 1579 (Lerwick, 1999). Ballantyne, John H. and Smith, Brian (eds.), Shetland Documents 1580 - 1611 (Lerwick, 1994). 1547 births 1617 deaths Laurence Bruce People associated with Shetland 16th-century Scottish people 17th-century Scottish people