Provost of Edinburgh in 1437 and known to be in possession of the lands of Merchiston by 1438, so he was the first Napier Laird of Merchiston.

He was Vice-Admiral of Scotland and Master of the Royal Household. He was also Lord Provost of Edinburgh three times, 1455, 1457, and 1469-72. He inherited the Merchiston estates in 1454 and was knighted in 1461.