From Inverness to Africa: The Autobiography of Alexander MacKenzie, a Builder, in his Own Words

A unique recollection of social life and changes in the Highlands of Scotland in the early twentieth century. It documents not only a personal struggle to succeed in the construction industry from straitened circumstances in Inverness before and during the First World War, but also a search for advancement through work in the British Empire.

The author enterprisingly sailed for Africa in 1927 and spent several adventurous years working in Kenya. Convinced he could find work at home; he returned in 1931 and was immediately pitched into the difficulties of the Depression. Moving from job to job, he eventually spent time in the army during the Second World War. Encountering further difficulties in finding work at the end of the war he returned to Africa and eventually rose to be senior clerk of works in the western province of Northern Rhodesia (Zambia).

After retirement in 1960 he became a Consultant Engineer’s site inspector on several major construction works in Scotland, notably the Cruachan power station and a major graving dock on the Clyde.

From Inverness to Africa is a personal recollection of Alexander MacKenzie’s life, edited by his son John M. MacKenzie.