Alexander Cairncross (economist) facts for kids

Sir Alexander Kirkland Cairncross KCMG FRSE FBA (born 11 February 1911 – died 21 October 1998) was an important British economist. He was known for his work in economics and for advising the UK government. His daughter, Frances Cairncross, became a journalist, and his son, Sandy Cairncross, became an expert in public health.

A Life in Economics

Early Life and Education

Alexander Cairncross was born in a town called Lesmahagow in Scotland in 1911. He was the seventh of eight children. His father, also named Alexander, worked as an ironmonger, selling metal goods.

He went to Lesmahagow Higher Grade School and then Hamilton Academy. He was a very bright student and won two scholarships. These scholarships allowed him to study economics at Glasgow University. After that, he earned another scholarship to continue his studies at Trinity College, Cambridge. In 1935, he received his PhD in economics from Cambridge. He was only the second person to get this degree in economics from that university.

Working as an Economist

After his studies, Cairncross became a lecturer in economics. He was influenced by John Maynard Keynes, a very famous economist. Keynes helped create the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in 1944.

During World War II, Alexander Cairncross worked for the government. He was part of the Ministry of Aircraft Production. Here, he helped manage the programs for making aircraft. He rose to become the Director of Programmes.

After the war, in 1946, he worked briefly for The Economist magazine. Then, he became an adviser to the Board of Trade. In 1949, he went to Paris to advise the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation. This group helped European countries rebuild after the war. In 1951, he returned to his old university, Glasgow, as a Professor of Applied Economics.

Important Roles and Recognition

Cairncross helped start the Scottish Economic Society. In 1954, he became the first editor of its journal, the Scottish Journal of Political Economy.

He also served as an economic adviser to the UK government from 1961 to 1964. From 1964 to 1969, he was the Head of the Government Economic Service. This service provides economic advice to the government.

Later, he became the Master of St Peter's College, Oxford from 1969 to 1978. He was also the Chancellor of the University of Glasgow from 1972 to 1996. This is a very important ceremonial role. He was made a Fellow of the British Academy in 1961. He also received special honorary degrees from other universities.

In 1970, he gave a major speech on "Economic Growth" to the Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland.

Recognition

The Scottish Economic Society created the Cairncross Prize in his honor. This prize recognizes achievements in economics.

Family and Death

Alexander Cairncross married Mary Frances Glynn in 1943. They had five children together: two daughters and three sons. He passed away in Oxford on 21 October 1998.