Scottish oil scientist to be recognised by RSC

The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) is set to honour a "forgotten" Scottish scientist best known for his method of distilling paraffin from coal.

James Young patented his process of obtaining paraffin oil and in 1851 he established his commercial oil works.

It was the world's first oil refinery - nine years before the first oil well was drilled in America - and transformed the landscape of West Lothian and employed 40,000 people in its 120 refineries.

The RSC has announced an award of a chemical landmark plaque to honour his achievements on the 200th anniversary of his birth, which will be at the Bennie museum in Bathgate.

Professor David Phillips, RSC president, said: "Not only was James Young a great scientist, he was a great human being and his legacy continues today.

"Surely it is time we pay for a statue in James Young's honour to inspire the scientists of the future."

His endeavours in the oil industry earned him the nickname Paraffin Young.

Posted by Claire Manning