Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/McGlashan, Alexander
McGLASHAN, ALEXANDER (d. 1797), Scottish violinist, flourished in Edinburgh about the, end of the last century. He was an able and spirited leader of the fashionable bands in Edinburgh, and had some reputation as a composer of Scottish music. He edited 'A Collection of Strathspey Reels, with a Bass for the Violoncello and Harpsichord' (Edinburgh, 1780), and 'A Collection of Scots Measures, Hornpipes, Jigs, &c.' (1781). He was generally known as 'King McGlashan,' a name which he acquired from his stately appearance and showy style of dress (Chambebs). He died in May 1797 (Glen).
[Johnson's Scots Musical Museum, Edinburgh, 1853, i. 66; Browns Dictionary of Musicians, p. 406; Chambers's Eminent Scotsmen, ii. 482, s.v. 'Gow;' Glen's Coll. of Scottish Dance Music, Introduction, Edinb. 1891.]