I found a G McFarlane, boiler maker, in Dock Street, Dundee in the PO directories in the 1860s. In 1861-1865 his house was 8 Bain Square, then it was 27 Step Row, then 37 Step Row.
But in 1869-70 the PO directory also lists D and G McFarlane, linen manufacturers, office 3 Coupar's Alley, and G McFarlane, of D and G McFarlane, at 37 Step Row.
There's only one George M*f*rl*n* in the census in Dundee of an age to be a contractor in the 1860s: in 1861 George McFarlane, 41, boiler maker, born Coupar Angus, living in Bain Square, Wellgate. In 1871 he is 50, linen manufacturer, born Perth, living at 37 Step Row. His wife Agnes is the last name on that page, but the index shows George, 16 and Louis, 12 on the next page. In 1881 Agnes, annuitant, widowed, was living at Mount Pleasant House, Precinct Street, Coupar Angus with George Jr, Louis, various daughters, her father George Stirton and a grandson. There is a will of George McFarlane, manufacturer, who died on 22 May 1877 at Mount Pleasant, Coupar Angus.
Boiler maker to railway contractor to linen manufacturer is a rather odd progression.
