Main content
This programme is not currently available on 鲍鱼tv iPlayer

Scotland's First Oil Rush

Documentary telling the story of the shale oil industry and its lasting impact on the community of West Lothian. Presented by geologist Professor Iain Stewart.

Scotland witnessed the world's first true 'oil rush', when inventor James 'Paraffin' Young first refined lighting fuel from a shale rock known as torbanite in 1851. There followed more than a century of the shale oil industry, which employed thousands and whose fortunes ebbed and flowed with industrialisation and two world wars.

Presented by geologist Professor Iain Stewart, this film tells the story of shale, its lasting impact on one Scottish community - West Lothian - and the massive and unique landmarks still visible today.

1 hour

Last on

Tue 31 Jul 2018 01:00
鲍鱼tv Four

  • The red mountains of West Lothian are home to many rare plants and flowers.

Recipes

See all recipes from Scotland's First Oil Rush

Clips

See all clips from Scotland's First Oil Rush (3)

Credits

Presenter Iain Stewart
Producer Maurice Smith
Director Brian Ross
Executive Producer David Harron
Executive Producer Colin Cameron

Broadcasts

Featured in...

  • Made in Scotland

    A collection of some of our favourite documentaries exploring Scotland and its people.