Alexander Ross (architect)

Alexander Ross (1834 – 1925) was a prominent Scottish architect based in Inverness. He is best known for his extensive railway work, designing numerous stations and hotels for the Highland Railway, significantly shaping the architectural landscape of the Scottish Highlands.

Ross trained in Inverness and established his own practice there in the 1860s. His early work included domestic and commercial buildings. However, his association with the Highland Railway proved pivotal to his career, leading to a prolific output of railway-related structures.

Notable examples of Ross's work include the Highland Railway headquarters in Inverness, Aviemore railway station, the Strathpeffer Spa Pavilion, and the redesign of Inverness railway station. He also designed several hotels, including the Station Hotel in Dornoch and the Grant Arms Hotel in Grantown-on-Spey, contributing significantly to the growth of tourism in the Highlands. His architectural style blended Scottish Baronial with elements of Gothic Revival, reflecting the prevailing tastes of the Victorian era and creating a distinctive regional style.

Ross served as the architect for the Highland Railway for over 40 years, becoming an integral part of the company's expansion. His buildings played a crucial role in connecting remote communities and facilitating the transportation of goods and passengers throughout the Highlands. He was also involved in various civic projects in Inverness, further solidifying his reputation as a leading architect in the region.

Following his death in 1925, Ross's legacy continues to be recognized through the preservation of many of his buildings, which stand as important examples of Scottish railway architecture and Victorian design.