William MacGregor

William MacGregor

20 October 1846 – 3 July 1919

Colonial Governor

Born to crofter parents in the parish of Towie, Aberdeenshire, William MacGregor’s natural ability saw him become one of Britain’s best regarded and most able colonial administrators. He championed the causes of the people whose countries he governed, earning their respect and preventing their exploitation. From an early age William showed great promise and gained a place to study medicine at the University of Aberdeen. After qualifying, he travelled to the Seychelles to take up the post of assistant medical officer and later became chief medical officer for the colony of Fiji.

William was resourceful, diplomatic and highly capable. Although working within the mores and outlook of the time, he pioneered changes sympathetic to the peoples in the places he was posted during his 40 year career. Covering three continents he worked in New Guinea, Lagos, Newfoundland and Queensland. In each, he pioneered positive change, introducing legislation and championing the rights of local people. He developed the railways, supported education and used his medical knowledge to campaign against disease. He was instrumental in founding the University of Queensland and in 1910 became its first chancellor.