ALEXANDER Ross MacMillan, former chief general manager of the Clydesdale Bank, has died at the age of 82.
He began his banking career with the North of Scotland Bank in his home town of Tain in 1938. After war service in the RAF, during which he was twice mentioned in despatches, he transferred to head office in Aberdeen.
On its amalgamation with the Clydesdale Bank in 1952 he transferred to London.
After returning to the bank's head office in Glasgow for a three-year spell as personal assistant to the general manager, he moved back to London as manager of the Piccadilly branch at the age of 36.
He returned to Scotland for the final time in 1965 and filled a number of senior posts culminating in his appointment as chief general managerin 1971. In today's business world this might not be considered spectacular but in the sixties and seventies it was viewed as a meteoric performance.
On his retirement he joined the boards of several companies and served on the court at Glasgow University where he was awarded an honorary doctorate.
Another great interest was the Clan MacMillan Society centred at Finlaystone, Langbank. He thoroughly enjoyed his involvement becoming treasurer and a trustee.
In 1975 Tain showed its pride in the success of one of its sons by granting him the Freedom of the Royal Burgh - an honour which he greatly treasured. Although dogged by ill health he made a final pilgrimage to the town in 2002 to participate in the celebrations to commemorate the Queen's golden jubilee. As the last surviving freeman he was asked to present awards to worthy townsfolk who had served Tain and the community during the 50 years of her reign.
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