About James Wilson McKay
Lived 1912 – 1992 (aged 80). James Wilson McKay was a British businessperson.
Sir James Wilson McKay (12 March 1912 – 25 May 1992) was a Scottish businessman who served as Lord Provost of Edinburgh between 1969 and 1972. A Freemason, he was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland from 1979 to 1983.
Life
McKay was born in 1912 in Bo'ness, the son of John McKay, an insurance superintendent, and Alice Easton Wilson McKay. He also received an Honorary Doctorate from Heriot-Watt University in 1971.
From 1979 to 1983 he was Grand Master Mason of Scotland, the head of Scottish freemasonry.
He died in Edinburgh on 25 May 1992. He was cremated and his ashes are buried against the south wall of Cramond Parish Church in north-west Edinburgh.
Artistic recognition
He was portrayed in office by David Abercrombie Donaldson.
Family
He was married to Janette (1917-2006), later Lady McKay.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
People in James Wilson McKay's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped James Wilson McKay's
Frequently asked questions
Who was James Wilson McKay?
Scottish businessman
When was James Wilson McKay born?
James Wilson McKay was born on 12 March 1912 in Bo'ness.
When did James Wilson McKay die?
James Wilson McKay died on 25 May 1992.
What was James Wilson McKay's occupation?
James Wilson McKay was a businessperson.
What nationality was James Wilson McKay?
James Wilson McKay was British.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: James Wilson McKay
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). James Wilson McKay. https://biography.guide/james-wilson-mckay/
MLA: "James Wilson McKay." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/james-wilson-mckay/.
Chicago: "James Wilson McKay." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/james-wilson-mckay/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:22 UTC