Sir Alexander Mackenzie
Sir Alexander went to Canada in 1779 and became an employee of the North West
Company, a rival of the more famous Hudson's Bay Company. It was during his fur trading days that he felt compelled to explore the continent, to find a route to the Pacific Ocean.
As a result of his travels he not only found a route to the Pacific but to the Arctic as well. He discovered Canada's longest river – the Mackenzie River and became the first white man to travel coast to coast across North America.
He published a book on his travels in 1801 and was knighted the following year. He retired to Avoch in 1812 with his new bride, a Miss Mackenzie. During his time at
Avoch he was responsible for the building of a new harbour, something the fishing population badly needed as they had no protection for their boats due to the flatness of the shore.
Sir Alexander died at Dunkeld in 1820 while on his way to Edinburgh for a visit with his young family.
A fine memorial to this famous explorer can be found in the peaceful churchyard of Avoch Parish Church, set on the hill above the village.
This particular plaque was erected in 1989 by the Canadian Government of the Northwest Territories.