William McEwan

William McEwan
Born	Template:Birth date Alloa, Scotland
Died	May 12, 1913(1913-05-12) (aged 85)
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, politician
Years active	1851–1900
Known for	Founder of Fountain Brewery, MP for Edinburgh Central, financer of McEwan Hall

William McEwan (; born 16 July 1827 – died 12 May 1913) was a Scottish entrepreneur and politician. He established the Fountain Brewery in 1856, represented Edinburgh Central as a member of parliament (MP) from 1886 until 1900, and financed the building of the McEwan Hall at the University of Edinburgh.

Early life and brewing

McEwan came into the world in Alloa, Scotland, in 1827 as the third offspring of shipowner John McEwan and Anne Jeffrey. His sister Janet became the wife of James Younger, leader of a distinguished local brewing dynasty, whose lineage included prominent individuals such as George Younger, 1st Viscount Younger of Leckie and Robert Younger, Baron Blanesburgh. He received his education at Alloa Academy.

Career

Beginning his professional journey, McEwan worked with the Alloa Coal Company and the merchant firm Patersons, followed by roles in Glasgow and Yorkshire. Starting in 1851, he apprenticed with his uncles John and David Jeffrey, proprietors of the Heriot brewery located in Edinburgh. With financial backing provided by his mother and uncle Tom Jeffrey, he founded the Fountain Brewery in Edinburgh’s Fountainbridge district in 1856.

Under McEwan’s direction, the brewery expanded its distribution not only throughout Scotland but also internationally to markets including Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and India. By the early twentieth century, McEwan's commanded approximately 90% of the beer market in northeastern England. His nephew William Younger trained under him before advancing to managing director. Eventually, the brewery became part of Scottish & Newcastle through a merger.

Political career

Representing the Liberal Party, McEwan held the parliamentary seat for Edinburgh Central from the 1886 election until 1900, including an uncontested return in the 1895 election. In 1907, he was named a member of Her Majesty's Privy Council but chose to decline a noble title.

Personal life

In 1885, McEwan married Helen Anderson. He fathered one daughter outside of marriage. His wife passed away in 1906 and was interred at Highgate Cemetery. Their daughter Margaret Helen (1863–1942) married Hon. Ronald Greville, heir apparent to the Greville barony.

McEwan funded the construction of the McEwan Hall at the University of Edinburgh, with a cost of £115,000; it opened its doors in 1897—the same year he was awarded an honorary doctorate and granted the freedom of Edinburgh. Additionally, he contributed artworks to the National Gallery of Scotland.

His last home was Polesden Lacey in Surrey, acquired in 1906 for his daughter and her husband. Margaret later donated this estate to the National Trust in remembrance of her father. McEwan died in 1913 in Mayfair and was laid to rest in Great Bookham, Surrey. At his death, his estate was valued at £1.5 million.