The pioneering industry that shaped West Lothian, and changed the world.
James "Paraffin" Young's Bathgate works were perhaps the first in the world to produce refined mineral oils on a commercial scale. From this pioneering enterprise extended an oil industry, centred in West Lothian, that successfully competed against cheaper imported petroleum for almost a century. This fierce competition bred innovation, resilience, and a body of Scots know-how that contributed greatly towards the development of oil industries throughout the world.
This website is being developed to celebrate, exchange knowledge, and encourage research into this special heritage. Many of these on-line resources are associated with on our museum collection, which is recognised as being of national importance to Scotland.
Introduction
People
Places
Stories
Organisations
Collections
The Museum of the Scottish Shale Oil Industry is part of Almond Valley Heritage Centre. For information about opening hours and admission prices; visit www.almondvalley.co.uk
West Lothian Stories - from the shalefield, and the wider county.
Whitburn Cycle Parade
Carved in Shale
The Detergent Girls
Breich's Own Sistine Chapel
A Wander around Calder Hall
The Lost Township
Camilty Bridge
Little Vantage
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