Alexander Napier (2nd Laird of Merchiston)

Sir Alexander Napier, 2nd Laird of Merchiston (died c. 1474) was a Scottish politician and diplomat.

He initially belonged to the household of the queen-mother, Joan Beaufort, and then served as Comptroller to James II (1449–61), ambassador to England (1451 and 1461), and was knighted and appointed Vice-Admiral of Scotland before 7 July 1461.

In 1468 he was named joint-commissioner, with Andrew Stewart, lord chancellor, to negotiate a marriage between James III and Margaret, daughter of Christian I of Denmark.

They were parents to Sir John Napier, 3rd Laird of Merchiston, Provost of Edinburgh 1484–5.

[1] His descendants included the world-famous mathematician John Napier.

Merchiston Tower was probably built by Alexander Napier, 2nd Laird of Merchiston, around 1454.