Dr Lachlan Grant of Ballachulish, 1871-1945

2015 | Biography

Dr Lachlan Grant (1871-1945), general practitioner and campaigner, was an important figure in the public life of the Highlands, deeply involved in industrial disputes in the early twentieth century at the Ballachulish slate quarries, where he was employed as a doctor for the workers. He was also active politically, both in the Liberal Party and the early years of the Scottish National Party, and was a prolific journalist, writing on medical and wider political, social and economic issues in the Highlands, particularly mental health care in the region. An active campaigner in the promotion of economic and social development of the Highlands, he placed special emphasis on improved health administration in the region. He was a key contributor to the Dewar Report (1912), which led to the establishment of the Highlands and Islands Medical Board in 1913, considered by many to be a 'proto-National Health Service'.

He was a star pupil of Edinburgh medical school, who went on to general practice in the Highlands and Islands, while continuing medical research in his own private laboratory to work on problems such as tuberculosis (which reached epidemic proportions in the interwar Highlands), anaemia and eye health.

Ewen A. Cameron (Author)

Annie Tindley (Author)