He was born at Badrinsary in Berriedale to James and Christina (nee Sutherland), one of nine children. Alex was a gardener on the Langwell estate alongside Sergeant Murray. On 6 Oct 1967 he received the Scottish Landowners long service award from the Duke of Portland, his employer, for 57 years of service on the estate indicating he had joined on leaving school. He would complete 60 years before retiring.
He had been a Boy Scout in his youth. He joined the Army in 1915, serving with the Seaforth Highlanders in France. He was wounded on 31 July 1917 severely enough to prevent him returning to France until 25 December. He was posted missing during the German offensive on 21st-26th March 1918 but survived to return home.
He is buried in the Berriedale Parish Cemetery with his wife Catherine Campbell. They had three daughters.
| Unit or location | Role | Posted from | until |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berriedale Patrol | Patrol Corporal | Unknown | 03 Dec 1944 |
Gardener
TNA ref WO199/3388
John O’Groat’s Journal 9 Apr 1915, 10 May 1918, 13 Oct 1967, 31 Mar 1972
Ancestry UK