Of Lochalsh. 1st Bart. Sir Alexander Matheson of Lochalsh. Trader. Nephew of James Matheson (1796 - 1878), who traded opium with China and was responsible for establishing the Jardine-Matheson conglomerate in Hong Kong, Sir Alexander made his fortune in China working for his uncle. Retiring from Hong Kong at only 36, he used his wealth to purchase highland estates and improve them. He was praised for finding new forms of agriculture for his tenants, rather than evicting them as was common practice at the time. Matheson served as a Member of Parliament for Ross and Cromarty many years and was instrumental in ensuring the Highland Railway was extended though to Kyle of Lochalsh. He bought the Balmacara Estate in Lochalsh and built Duncraig Castle in Plockton as his home. He was created a baronet in 1882.


From Wikipedia

Sir Alexander Matheson, 1st Baronet (16 January 1805-26 July 1886), was a Scottish businessman and long-standing Liberal Member of Parliament.

Matheson of was the nephew of Sir James Matheson, 1st Baronet, and a partner in the family firm of Jardine Matheson. He was returned to Parliament for Inverness Burghs in 1847, a seat he held until 1868 when he succeeded his uncle as Member of Parliament for Ross and Cromarty. He retained this constituency until 1884. In 1882 he was created a Baronet, of Lochalsh in the County of Ross.

Matheson died in July 1886, aged 81.