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Scotland's First Oil Rush

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.

English
  • Originally Aired May 17, 2016
  • Runtime 60 minutes
  • Content Rating United States of America TV-PG
  • Production Code b07cb31r
  • Network BBC
  • Created May 19, 2016 by
    Administrator admin
  • Modified May 19, 2016 by
    Administrator admin
Name Type Role
Iain Stewart Guest Star
Brian Ross Director