Alexander C. Thomson (c.1853-1929)

First name:
Alexander
Middle name:
Cunningham
Second name:
Thomson
Date of birth:
1853
Date of death:
20/01/1929

Oil industry career

OUTSTANDING FIGURE IN OIL INDUSTRY

THE LATE MR. THOMSON, MID CALDER

The death took place at his home, The Birches, Mid Calder, suddenly on Sunday of Mr. A.C. Thomson, chief constructional engineer of the Scottish Oils, Ltd., in his 76th year. Mr. Thomson took ill following a recent visit on business to France, but appeared to have practically recovered his usual health. He was at work on Saturday. On Sunday he passed away suddenly while sitting in his chair reading a newspaper. It is understood that the cause of death was heart failure.

His passing withdraws from the mineral oil industry in Scotland one who has been an outstanding figure for many years. About 60 years ago he started as an office boy at Addiewell works. After a time we went to the Andersonian College in Glasgow chiefly to study chemistry. He proved a keen student, and was successful in gaining a valuable bursary presented to the College by Dr. James Young, one of the pioneers of the mineral oil industry. That bursery enabled the young student to pursue his studies. He subsequently held appointment as works chemist at Uphall and Walkinshaw oil works.

PUMPHERSTON WORKS.

His first appointment as works manager was with the Pumpherston Company in or about the year 1883, and in that capacity he designed and laid out Pumpherston Works. He subsequently became works manager of the Caledonian Mineral Oil Coy., which company had a refinery at Lanark and crude works at Tarbrax. From Lanark, Mr Thomson went as works manager to the Oakbank Oil Coy., Ltd., at Oakbank Works . He was with the Oakbank Company for fully 20 years and during his period of service the refinery at Oakbank Works was enlarged and remodelled and new works were established at Winchburgh.

GRANGEMOUTH REFINERY

On the formation of Scottish Oils, Ltd. Mr Thomson was appointed chief constructional engineer to that company, and in collaboration with Mr Bryson, designed the new refinery at Grangemouth and reconstructed the refinery at Uphall. His wide experience in the designing and laying out of plant for the treatment of mineral oil proved of great value to Scottish Oils, Ltd. Mr Thomson worked for a time in a drawing office in London. He was also for a time works manager of a company engaged in the manufacture of lead compounds, and he spent six months inspecting and reporting on a works in South America. Apart from these brief intervals the whole of his business life was concerned with the mineral oil industry in Scotland.

A PUBLIC MAN.

Mr Thomson took an active interest in public affairs. He was a member of the Kirknewton and East Calder School Board for many years, and took a keen interest in the building of the school at Oakbank. He was one of the first members of the new Midlothian Education Authority. but owing to pressure of other work had to give it up early. For nearly 25 years he was a member of the Midlothian County Council, being a member of a number of the committees where he took his full share of the work. He was also a Justice of the Peace for the County of Midlothian. The interment took place at Mid Calder Cemetery on Tuesday, and the large number of mourners present testified to the esteem and respect in which Mr Thomson was held. He is survived by Mrs Thomson and a grown-up family consisting of three sons and one daughter.

West Lothian Courier, 25th January 1929

.......

Mr. Fraser made reference to the death of Mr. Alexander C. Thompson, Chief Structural Engineer, which had occurred suddenly on Sunday, 20th inst. Mr. Thomson had been connected with the Shale Oil Industry throughout all his life and possessed a very extensive technical knowledge of all its operations, having previous to his connexion with this Company held successive appointments as Chemist at Uphall and Walkinshaw Works, and as Works Manager with the Pumpherston, Caledonian, and Oakbank Oil Companies; while, in collaboration with Mr. Bryson, he had designed the new refinery at Grangemouth and reconstructed the refinery at tJphall. His wide experience had proved of great vaJue to this Company. The Board resolved, while deploring his loss, to place on record their high appreciation of his long, faithful and valuable services; and they desire to convey to Mrs. Thomson and her family this expression of deep sympathy with them in their bereavement

Minutes of Directors Meeting Scottish Oils Lrd 24th January 1929

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