James Bryson (1853-1930)

James Bryson, a former engineer at an iron foundry in Larbert, became general manager of Pumpherston Oil Works in 1887. He later became joint Managing Director of the Pumpherston Oil Co. Ltd and, after the amalgamation of the Scottish shale oil companies, General Manager, and a director, of Scottish Oils Ltd.

Together with William Fraser (Senior), founder of the Pumpherston Oil Co. Ltd, and James Jones, Managing Director of the Dalmeny Oil Co. Ltd, Bryson designed the highly successful Bryson (or Pumpherston) retort which was patented in 1894. The retort increased throughput almost threefold to 4 or 5 tons of shale per day and reduced the cost of retorting by almost half. It became the basic plant of the Scottish industry until production of shale oil ceased in 1962 and has been used extensively in other shale oil enterprises in North America and elsewhere.

Obituary

Death of Mr James Bryson

The death took place last night at his residence at Ballengiech, Pumpherston, Mid Calder, of Mr James Bryson, in his 77th year. He was general works manager of the Scottish Oils (Ltd.) and a director of the Company. Mr Bryson served on the Parish School Board for many years, and up to the time of his death was a member of Midlothian County Council and the Lothians War Pensions Committee, on both of which he did excellent work. He was a devoted Churchman, and a generous donor to Bridgend U.F. Church, Mid Calder.

The Scotsman, Monday 20th January 1930

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Death of Scottish Oil Works Manager

Mr James Bryson, J.P., the general manager of Scottish Oils Ltd., died at his residence at Pumpherston, Midcalder, last night after a lengthy illness. Mr Bryson, who was in his 77th year, was trained as an engineer at Coatbridge, and in 1887 he was appointed manager of the Pumpherston Oil Works. At a later date he was made a director of Scottish Oils Ltd. Mr Bryson was associated with two other gentlemen in an important patent in connection with the retorting of shale. He was closely identified with the public life of Midlothian and at the time of his death he was a member of Midlothian County Council and the Lothians War Pensions Committee, on which he did good work. In politics he was a Liberal, and for a number of years he was president of Midlothian Liberal Association. He is survived by his widow and two daughters, both of whom are married, one to Dr Scott, Broxburn, and the other to Mr Sutherland, merchant, Bathgate.

Glasgow Herald, Monday 20th January 1930