James Alison (architect)

James Pearson Alison (1862–1932) was a Scottish architect, principally practising in Roxburghshire with offices in Hawick.

[4][5][6][7] His elder brother, Thomas Alison was a painter, principally known for Landscape painting, who also produced portraits and other works.

While a student at Edinburgh he started work for the architect Robert Thornton Shiells as an articled draughtsman, although he continued to live at the family home in nearby Dalkeith.

The first meeting of the Burgh Commissioners in the new municipal buildings was held on 9 October 1882, with his father, Chief Executive and provost of Dalkeith 1881–1884, presiding.

He gained a good reputation with local manufacturers and landowners after some early commissions and more work swiftly followed.

An elegant balustrade above the big bay incorporated letters spelling “The Central Hotel”.

Opposite the Central Hotel in the High Street, the Liberal Club was completed by him in the same year.

[15][16] He also designed the Dalkeith war memorial, unveiled 28 June 1921,[1] where his brother Thomas had been Provost until the year before.