Alexander Sandison
Alexander Sandison (b. 8 April 1827, Delting, d. 4 July 1900, Uyeasound, Unst) was general merchant, grocer and a County Councillor for Unst South between 1890 and 1898.
His sons Thomas, John and Charles were also County Councillors.
Alexander was a witness in the Napier Commission and his testimony can be read here.
Biography
When Alexander moved to Unst, it was an island of, according to Jessie Saxby, "extreme poverty". Nevertheless, Alexander set about trying to improve conditions for Unst residents.
He was a pioneer in establishing new knitting and fishing operations in the Isle, providing many jobs for local people.
His eldest daughter, Isabella, married Thomas McKinnock Wood, a descendent of Orkney who later chaired the London County Council.
Politically, he was a Liberal and described as "never a mere party man, he used his influences to advance the Liberal cause."
His obituary in the Shetland Times was penned by Jessie Saxby.
Political Career
External Links
| Zetland County Council | ||
|---|---|---|
| Constituency created | Member for Unst South 1890-1898 |
Succeeded by Thomas Sandison 
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| Unst South County Councillors | ||
|---|---|---|
| Councillors | Alexander Sandison (1890-1898) • Thomas Sandison (1898-1901) • John Sandison (1902-1907) • Thomas Sandison (1907-1910) • John Sandison (1910-1929) • Basil Neven-Spence (1929-1935) • William Clark (1936-1938) • Andrew Irvine (1938-1942) • Henry Hunter (1942-1949) • James Matches (1949-1961) • Peter Hunter (1961-1970) • Alan Fraser (1970-1975) | |
