Interviews of Alex Anderson aged 84

Biographical interview with Alex Anderson (aged 84), who was born and raised in Edinburgh. Alex talks about his father and mother and their connections to Dumfries and Galloway before speaking about his own childhood and education in Edinburgh. He went to Edinburgh University and thereafter had a career in civil engineering. Alex recalls a number of engineering jobs and projects he has undertaken, especially in the Dumfries and Galloway area of Stewartry. His work was varied and encompassed water, sewage, bridges, roads and flood prevention. He interviewed for a job in Kirkcudbright in 1962 and was immediately involved with the aftermath of flooding which had destroyed 4 local bridges. He talks about the council buildings in the town and life in the Merse area of the town.

Alex has a great interest in the history of roads in the area and talks about this and the societies and individuals he knew. This includes Alf Truckle, who had been the museum curator at Dumfries. When asked about his work Alex says that the project he was most proud of was widening the Fleet Bridge, which he worked on in 1963-64. He talks about the history of this bridge, which dates to pre 1661, and describes the various renovations that have taken place since then. He also talks about various weather-related road problems. Towards the end of the interview, Alex talks a little more about his interest in carpentry and helping out with the stage work for amateur dramatics productions. He also talks about the work of the roadman, who once played such an important role in looking after the road infrastructure.