Alexander Monro (educator)

Alexander Monro (1648–1698) was the Principal of Edinburgh University from 1685 to 1690.

He was fourth son of Hugh Munro, 4th of Fyrish by his wife Isobel, daughter of Robert Munro, 6th of Coul, 5th of Balconie. Alexander was the first of his branch of the family to spell his name Monro as opposed to Munro. He studied for the Church at St Salvator's College at the University of St Andrews, graduating M.A. in 1664. He then accompanied, while only aged 17, his cousin Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Munro, who was Colonel of Horse in Lord Dumbarton's Regiment (and also a Captain in the Royal Scots 1st Foot Regiment) to France. Alexander Monro saw active service there for two and a half years, before returning to Scotland to complete his education. He resumed studies at St Mary's College (now New College), St Andrews, and graduated M.A. from there in 1669. In February, 1682 he was made a Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) by St Andrews University.

He was ordained in 1673, and on 7 April 1673 he was admitted to the second charge of the parish of Dunfermline; on 26 March 1676 he was translated to Kinglassie, co. Fife, and on 26 April 1678 was translated to the parish of Wemyss. He resigned before March, 1683 having been nominated as Professor of Divinity at St Mary's College, St Andrews by the then Chancellor Archbishop James Sharp of St Andrews. From 1682 to 1685 he was Principal of St Andrews University.

On 9 December 1685 Alexander Munro was appointed Principal of the University of Edinburgh, being simultaneously appointed by the Town Council of Edinburgh to the Second or Collegiate Charge of the High Church of Edinburgh (now St Giles Church), and inducted on 30 December 1685. As Principal of Edinburgh University he received an emolument of 2000 merks and as incumbent of the High Church he received 1600 merks. In 1688 James II of England (VII of Scotland) attempted to have him appointed as Bishop of Argyll, but this fell through as James left the throne. Monro was tried by the Privy Council for refusing to pray for William and Mary in obedience to the Act of Estates passed on 13 April 1689. Although not ejected by the Privy Council he nevertheless resigned as Principal of Edinburgh University and from his charge in the north-eastern division of St Giles Cathedral on 24 April 1689. He thus resigned before episcopacy was abolished by the Scottish Parliament on 22 July 1689.

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