Alexander Ross (architect)

He is probably the single most important person in molding the city of Inverness, both socially and physically.

Furthermore, he is responsible for a very high proportion of Inverness's churches, offices, public buildings, shops, tenements and villas.

He was born on 9 July 1834 at Huntly Hill in Stracathro near Brechin in Angus He was the son of James Ross, architect.

Alexander was educated at Inverness Royal Academy and Dr Bell's Institution.

In 1848, he was briefly apprenticed to a stonemason to gain some practical experience before being articled in his father's architect's office.

In 1866 he secured a major commission to design St Andrew's Cathedral in Inverness.

He had a strong reputation for designing church-run schools, and after the Education Act of 1872 he received at least 450 small commissions to create the numerous small parish schools required in the Act.