Biography of Sir Henry Mechan

The Henry Mechan Chair of Public Health was founded in 1923 and endowed by Sir Henry Mechan (1856-1943), the Chairman of the Scotstoun engineers and boatbuilders, Mechans Ltd. Five years after his death, in 1948, his company endowed the Mechan Chair of Engineering.

Born in Glasgow, Mechan became an apprentice and then a partner in his father's business, Mechans Ltd. In 1923 he gifted £23,000 to the University to found the chair that bears his name.

Mechan was also a town councillor who was elected President of the Scottish Unionist Association in 1928; a benefactor of the Western Infirmary (he also served as Chairman of its Board of Management); and a director of the Samaritan Hospital for Women. He acted as Assessor on the University Court.

Summary

Sir Henry Mechan
Engineer
Born 1856.
Died 1943.
University Link: Benefactor
Occupation categories: boatbuilders; engineers
Record last updated: 24th May 2007

University Connections

University Roles

• Benefactor

Academic Posts

Professorships:

• Engineering (Mechan Chair)
• Public Health (Henry Mechan Chair)

Honours

• Commemoration Day

Corporate Bodies

• Mechans Ltd

Images

Henry Mechan