Alexander Milne, the generous donor of the bequest which founded the school, Milne's Institution, was born in Fochabers in 1742, and died in New Orleans, USA in October, 1838. As a gardener at Gordon Castle in his youth, Alexander was ordered to cut his hair short. As a young Scotsman of character and independence, rather than comply with the Duke's order, he decided to seek his fortune in America, the land of the free, where he could wear his hair in any way he chose. Little is known of his adventurous career until his arrival in New Orleans in 1776, where he started a hardware and brick manufacturing business. Undoubtedly, he was a 'lad o' pairts' endowed with all the qualities which have made Scotsmen renowned for their keen ability the world over. In New Orleans he quickly established a large, thriving real estate business, became a leading figure in the State, amassed a large fortune and, on his death in 1838, was owner of valuable and extensive land. An extract from his last Will and Testament reads "Unto the said Town of Fochabers I give and bequeath the sum of One hundred thousand dollars to be employed in establishing a free School with sufficient competent teachers and supporting the said School in the said Town of Fochabers for the use of the Parishes of Bellie and Ordiquish."