Overview

Sir William Hepburn McAlpine, 6th Baronet (12 January 1936 – 4 March 2018) was a British businessman best known for his long association with the family construction firm Sir Robert McAlpine and for his prominent role in heritage railway preservation. He combined a commercial career in construction with energetic support for historic railways and related charities, gaining public recognition among enthusiasts and in the local communities served by those lines.

Business career and family firm

McAlpine served as a director of Sir Robert McAlpine, the well established UK construction company founded by his forebears. Under the broader McAlpine family umbrella, the company has been involved in large-scale civil engineering, building and infrastructure projects across Britain. As a senior member of the family, Sir William represented the continuity of a multi‑generational business tradition while also engaging in community and preservation projects outside the mainstream construction sector.

Railway preservation and public service

Sir William was an enthusiastic supporter of steam and light railways. He played a leading part in rescuing and sustaining the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, a historic narrow‑gauge line on the Kent coast, and went on to serve as its chairman. His interest in living railway heritage extended to sponsorship, fundraising and hands‑on advocacy that helped keep several small lines and collections operational for the public and for future generations.

Honours and recognitions

His contributions to business and to railway preservation were recognised informally within the heritage community. A British Rail Class 60 locomotive was named in his honour — British Rail Class 60 60008 of EWS — reflecting the esteem in which he was held by some preservation and industry circles. The baronetcy he held is a hereditary title in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom, and he was commonly addressed as Sir William in both private and public life.

Legacy and significance

Sir William McAlpine is remembered for bridging two worlds: the corporate construction sector and the grassroots world of railway preservation. His leadership at the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway and support for other heritage causes helped sustain working collections and volunteer communities. Through those efforts he contributed to the preservation of industrial and transport history in Britain.

Notable facts

  • Born 12 January 1936 and died 4 March 2018 at age 81.
  • Director of the family firm Sir Robert McAlpine.
  • Chairman and active campaigner for the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway.
  • Commemorated by the naming of locomotive 60008 of the Class 60 fleet.