William Mackison


1833 - 1906

Engineer and architect. Born in Stirling but educated at Dundee High School, his father having been appointed Governor of Dundee Prison in 1844, Mackison served an apprenticeship with his uncle, Francis Mackison, a civil engineer in Stirling. Mackison was then employed as Burgh Surveyor and Town Architect of Stirling. In 1868, he was appointed Burgh Engineer for Dundee where he was responsible for urban renewal in the city, with his proposals incorporated in the Improvement Act of 1871. He planned the tram system in Dundee and was also responsible for an early phase of land reclamation from the River Tay, which later became a significant feature of the Dundee waterfront. His later career was dogged by arguments with the city authorities over his position and unpaid fees, ultimately leading to his dismissal in 1906. He died soon after at his home at Kirkton of Auchterhouse. His son, James Mackison, was responsible for repairs to Auchterhouse Parish Church in 1910, but soon emigrated to India.


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