Scottish Roots of the Macaulay Family

T.B. Macaulay and Margaret Palin at Calanais, West Lewis, 1929

50 Shore Street, Fraserburgh, birthplace of Robertson Macaulay

The Macaulay family originally hailed from Uig, on the Isle of Lewis. However T.B. Macaulay’s fisherman grandfather Captain Kenneth Macaulay had moved to Aberdeenshire for work, which meant Robertson Macaulay (father to T.B.) was actually born in Fraserburgh.

As a young man he moved to Stornoway to live with his aunt. It was there that Robertson began his business apprenticeship in the office of Donald Munro, a respected solicitor, that stood him in good stead for the world of business and finance that lay ahead.

He completed his business training in Aberdeen, and in 1854, on his 21st birthday and, fired with ambition, he left Scotland’s shores for Canada.

Robertson Macaulay (1853 – 1915)

Robertson Macaulay joined Sun Life as Secretary in 1874, and by 1889 he had become president. His character and strength is said to have left a lasting impression on the company.

The seventeen year old Thomas Bassett Macaulay followed in his father’s footsteps and in 1877 he joined the Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. Over the next 47 years he had numerous roles including Actuary, Secretary, Managing Director, President and finally Chairman.

Working Life