James Macpherson's literary success put him effectively in the public eye, and like many Scots of that period, he sought public office in London. After two years in West Florida where he served as secretary to the colonial governor he returned to London where he became a political propagandist for an Indian potentate. Later he was elected a Member of Parliament for the 'rotten' borough of Camelford.

      In 1788 he bought the estate of Raitts by Kingussie and built a fine mansion house there which he called Balavil. He spent sometime at the Highland estate every year and died there in 1786. He was buried in Westminster Abbey, as a member of that parish rather than his poetical accomplishments.