Two events are being planned in Ardrossan to commemorate the life of a Victorian-era philanthropist.

Tuesday, January 8 marks the 170th anniversary of the death of Dr Alexander MacFadzean (1788-1849), whose monument stands on the Castle Hill.

Dr MacFadzean gave free medical care to the poor, encouraged good standards of hygiene and was instrumental in pressing for the supply of clean water in the town.

He was a Justice of the Peace and was a founder member of the Barony Church. In 1846, he was instrumental in the creation of Ardrossan as a burgh.

Dr MacFadzean was so highly respected that his friends commissioned a portrait which was presented to him in 1844.

To commemorate this key figure in the town’s history, Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society has arranged two events.

There will be a short memorial at the monument on January 8 at 11am. Because it is likely to be cold, the event will last for only five minutes.

Provost Ian Clarkson will lay a wreath on behalf of North Ayrshire Council. Anyone who can manage to come along will be made welcome.

The second event is a display in Ardrossan Library featuring Dr MacFadzean’s life and work. It will be on show from now until mid-January. Anyone is welcome to call in.

George McGrattan from Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society said: “We know Dr MacFadzean was a good person but some people might not know why the monument’s there. This gives us the opportunity to share this research with people so locals are aware of all the good that Dr MacFadzean did for Ardrossan.”