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 on the Lothians shale-field 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
A guide to this website, the re-use of content, details of our museum, and links to further resources.
People
Biographies, employment records, and other useful resources family history research.
Places
A gazetteer of works, mines, villages, and other locations associated with the shale oil industry.
Stories
Articles and discussions about the shale oil industry and associated local histories.
Organisations
A directory of shale oil companies, and associated organisations.
Collections
An illustrated catalogue of our museum collection, archives, and associated resources.
Stories from the shale country and rambles around West Lothian
A Wander around Calder Hall
Discovering early shale mines and quarries
The Lost Township
The forgotten history of Whitelachlens
Camilty Bridge
The strange tale of a road to nowhere
Little Vantage
An old inn beside the Lang Whang
Explore the Museum and our Recognised Collection
Visit the museum.... virtually
An interactive tour of the shale museum
Latest Acquisitions
The book of shale - a solid read
Latest Acquisitions
Plans for a forgotten railway
Support out museum
Help support the running of the website, and the work of our charity