Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson

Balfron is the birthplace of the architect Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson (1817 – 1875).  The son of John Thomson, a bookkeeper at Ballindalloch Mill, and Elizabeth Cooper Thomson, he was the ninth of twelve children. His father, who already had eight grown children from his previous marriage, died when Alexander was seven. The family consequently moved to the outskirts of Glasgow. His brother, George, was a missionary in Cameroon who collected plants to send to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and to the British Museum.

He became an eminent Glaswegian architect and architectural theorist and a pioneer in sustainable building. Read more…

Amongst the buildings he designed was the United Free Manse on Dunmore Street, Balfron.

Plaque placed outside Balfron Library

 

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