what were the influences on the architect mentioned above?
Italian Classicism and English influence.
William Bruce (architect)

English influence is also visible in his work. His country houses took the compact Anglo-Dutch type as their model, as introduced into England by Hugh May and Sir Roger Pratt, but with Continental detailing, 
when was architect william bruce born? Around 1630. was he involved in politics? Yes, in 1660. which notable houses did he design? Thirlestane Castle and Panmure House. where is the castle located? Near Lauder. which family is commonly associated with it? Maitland family. do they still own it? No the place where this castle is located, where did it get its name from? From the Brittonic "lǭwadr". is there any notable church present there? Parish church of St. Mary.
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William Bruce (architect) [SEP] Influences
Roger Pratt's Coleshill House of 1660 is often cited as a model for Bruce's Kinross House. Konrad Ottenheym concludes that Bruce employed an "international style", which was fashionable in France, Holland, and England, and that he was pivotal in disseminating this style in Scotland.