Basic Biographical Details

Name: Andrew William Dougall Samuel
Designation:  
Born: 12 July 1938
Died: July 2015
Bio Notes: Andrew ('Drew') William Dougall Samuel was born on 12 July 1937. He was educated in Glasgow, latterly at Hutcheson’s Boys Grammar School where he excelled in sport. He studied architecture at Glasgow School of Art and was admitted ARIBA in 1968.

He set up practice on his own in Blanefield. Much of his architectural career was undertaken through three businesses, Auchengillan Estates Limited, Andrew Samuel & Co, Chartered Architects in Glasgow, Callander and London and Townhead Properties. In 1975 he was working in association with the Robertson Nelson Partnership. His practice was wide ranging and included residential developments, hospitals, shops, hotels, commercial and industrial premises and airport work.

Following his second marriage, Samuel took on a senior management role in the family printing business, Gavin Watson Limited, Printers, first as non-executive director and then as managing director. He worked exceptionally hard with long hours to direct the business, leading by example.

Samuel was a long term active member of the Confederation of British Industries. He advised on matters such as the construction of new transport infrastructure, improvements to the non-domestic rates regime for the benefit of small businesses and his development of the modern tax stamp for use in the drinks industry has saved the industry many millions.

Outwith his main professional interests, he was involved with matters relating to tourism. He was a founder member of the Trossachs Tourist Association, later honorary Vice President and President; he was also chairman of the East Central Tourist Association and of Stirling District Tourist Association. He initiated and then directed the Trossachs International Water Festival. He also initiated the Trossachs report which led to the creation of the West Highland Way and the Trossachs and Loch Lomond National Park in 1971. He also initiated signposting in Scotland which opened up previously inaccessible areas. He was a member of the Scottish Tourist Consultative Committee overseeing the Scottish Tourist Board.

In his spare time, Samuel was a keen Queen's Scout and became a Scout Leader in 1955. He continued his early interest in sport, particularly in canoeing during the early 1970s and early 1980s and won many awards for his achievements in this sport. He gave his time freely in training and coaching and in executive positions, all undertaken on a voluntary basis. For many years he held the records for the fastest crossing of the English Channel and the fastest passage up Loch Ness in a kayak.

Following his retirement he donated many of his original drawings to Glasgow School of Art and the clients who commissioned the work.

When time and other commitments permitted, he enjoyed travel with family and friends and visited many parts of the world. He also enjoyed hill-walking, classical music and photography. He was proud of his Scottish heritage and was still able to recite Tam o' Shanter during his final illness.

He died in July 2015. He is survived by his wife Mary, his children and grandchildren.

Private and Business Addresses

The following private or business addresses are associated with this :
 AddressTypeDate fromDate toNotes
Item 1 of 57, Blane Crescent, Blanefield, Glasgow (by), ScotlandPrivate1970 *  
Item 2 of 5Townhead of Auchengillan, Blanefield, Glasgow (by), ScotlandBusiness1970 *After 1975 
Item 3 of 52-4, Ancaster Square, Callander, Perthshire, ScotlandBusinessBefore 1975 *After 1980 
Item 4 of 5Newham, London, EnglandBusiness1981 * Branch office
Item 5 of 5West Woodside, Muirburn Road, Beith, Ayrshire, ScotlandBusiness(?)1994  

* earliest date known from documented sources.

Buildings and Designs

This was involved with the following buildings or structures from the date specified (click on an item to view details):
 Date startedBuilding nameTown, district or villageIslandCity or countyCountryNotes
Item 1 of 91966Belleisle HouseAlloway AyrshireScotlandAlterations
Item 2 of 91966Netherlee and Clarkston Synagogue  GlasgowScotlandAlterations
Item 3 of 91966The Madeira  GlasgowScotlandCost £27,000
Item 4 of 91970Allander ChaletAuchengillan DunbartonshireScotland 
Item 5 of 9Before 1975Factory for Tootal LtdNewton Mearns RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 6 of 9Before 1981Factory for Tootal Ltd  GlasgowScotland 
Item 7 of 9Before 1981Factory for Tootal LtdKirkintilloch DunbartonshireScotland 
Item 8 of 9Before 1981Factory for Tootal LtdNeilston RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 9 of 9Before 1981Newton Mearns Synagogue, Beech Avenue and Ayr RoadNewton Mearns RenfrewshireScotlandRebuilding? New building?

References

Bibliographic References

The following books contain references to this :
 Author(s)DateTitlePartPublisherNotes
Item 1 of 5RIBA1970RIBA Directory 1970   
Item 2 of 5RIBA1975RIBA Directory of practices   
Item 3 of 5RIBA1979Directory of members   
Item 4 of 5RIBA1980Directory of Practices 1980   
Item 5 of 5RIBA1994A Directory of RIBA Members   

Archive References

The following archives hold material relating to this :
 SourceArchive NameSource Catalogue No.Notes
Item 1 of 1RIAS, Rutland SquareRecords of membership