Robert Crichton (c.1882-1966)

First name:
Robert
Second name:
Crichton
Date of birth:
1882
Date of death:
1966
Job title(s):

General Mining manager, James Ross & Co., Managing Director, James Ross & Co, General Mining manager, Scottish Oils Ltd., General Manager, Scottish Oils Ltd., Managing Director, Scottish Oils Ltd

Related people:

Robert Crichton, a former mining engineer, became the first General Mining Manager of the newly formed Scottish Oils Ltd in 1919. He later became General Manager and a member of the Board before being appointed Managing Director in 1941, a position he retained until his retirement in 1954.

In addition to his 58 years of service in the shale oil industry, Robert Crichton was actively involved with the community in which he lived. He was appointed as Convener of West Lothian County Council in 1935 and received the CBE in the Queen's New Year Honours List in 1955 for his work with the County Council and the shale oil industry. He also served as Chairman of the Board at Bangour General Hospital until 1961 and, following his death in 1966, a new lighting system was installed at St Michael's Parish Church, Linlithgow in his memory in 1967.

  • Obituary
    • DEATH OF FORMER CONVENER

      Robert Crichton, J.P., C.B.E.

      With the death late on Wednesday of Mr Robert Crichton. J.P., C.B.E., D.L.’ at his home, Castlepark. Philpstoun, Linlithgow, the county of West Lothian lost a man who was its leading industrialist and public figure for more than half a century. Mr Crichton will be best remembered for his close connection with and work for the Scottish Shale Oil industry into which he was born. His father was manager and a director of Jas. Ross & Co. Ltd.. Philpstoun. one of the pioneer oil companies which later merged into Scottish Oils, Ltd.

      Educated at Linlithgow Academy and Heriot-Watt College, Edinburgh, he entered the oil industry straight from college and was to serve it for 58 years befor his reitral. As long ago as 1910 he was appointed General Mining Manager of Jas. Ross & Co.. and later he was managing director. With the formation of Scottish Oils. Ltd. he was immediately earmarked for a leading post in the new organisation and was managing director when be retired from the industry in 1954. He was also a director of Grangemouth Refinery and of British Hydro-Carbons Chemicals Ltd.. and also had wide interests in the fields of industry and technical education. He was for ten years a Governor of the Heriot-Watt College. Edinburgh, and received the Honorary Fellowship in 1952. also a Fellow of the British Institute of Petroleum and first chairman of the Scottish branch of the institute, a former chairman of the Institute of Mining Engineers and also a former chairman of the Institute of Mining Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. His record of public service was extensive and remarkable and he was for 30 years a member of West Lothian County Council, for 10 years of which he was County Convener. With the introduction of the National Health Service in 1947. he became the first chairman of the West Lothian (Bangour) Hospitals Board of Management and held the post until a few years ago

      Mr Crichton was indeed the Father of the Oil Industry in the Lothians and throughout its many difficulties and vicissitudes he never lost faith in it. Indeed it is true to say that but for his unflagging interest and enthusiasm the industry would it would have been wound-up long before it was in 1962. He was a man of great faith and complete integrity, a kindly man and a generous man. Occupying a post of high responsibility and trust, he believed that it was his duty to look after the welfare of all those under him, including their families. In times of hardship, bereavement. etc.. many a family had reason to bless his name and these things he did in complete secrecy seeking no publicity or credit. Under his direction Scottish Oils Ltd. set an example to the rest of Scotland in the field of social welfare for workers. In politics he was a Conservative and perhaps the greatest compliment ever paid to him was by a Labour member of the Labour-controlled county council who described him in all seriousness as "the greatest Socialist of us all." For his services to industry and the country Mr Crichton was created a C.B.E. in 1952. Predeceased by his wife he is survived by one son and two daughters.

      West Lothian Courier 18th March 1966

  • References
    • Mr Robert Crichton, J.P., Castlepark, chairman of the West Lothian National Service Committee, speaking at a meeting of the Philpstoun Recreation Clubs, in the Institute, made an appeal for volunteers in the district for the National Service scheme. He said that he was willing to give anyone advice about any particular branch of National Service, and he had made arrangements for a series of anti-gas lectures and sick nursing lectures to be given in the village to women every week.

      Scotsman, 17th February 1939

      .......

      The Chairman said that, as members of the Board were already aware, Mr Crichton had expressed his desire to retire from the Company's service at the end of the month, and this would be the last Board meeting that he would be attending. His retirement would mark the completion of nearly 58 years' association with the Scottish Shale industry of which he had unrivalled knowledge and experience. Trained as a mining engineer, he was appointed General Mining Manager of the old Scottish Oils Limited on its formation in 1919, later becoming General Manager and a member of the Board, by whom he was appointed Managing Director in 1941.

      During his service as Managing Director, that Company had experienced some difficult times and it was in large measure due to Mr Crichton's initiative and to the high esteem in which he was held by both management and workers, that it had been possible to surmount some of the major difficulties. No tribute would be adequate that did not stress Mr Crichton's personal interest in the welfare of all who served the Company in whatever capacity. It was the earnest hope of all of them that Mr Crichton and Mrs Crichton would enjoy many years of health and happiness following his retirement. Mr Crichton thanked the members of the Board for their kind tribute and for their good wishes extended to Mrs Crichton and himself.

      Scottish Oils Ltd, Minutes of the Board Meeting held on Thursday, 11th March, 1954

      .......

      crichton_falkirk herald.jpg

      Crichton's retirement. Falkirk Herald, 27th March, 1954

      .......

      They used to say that old Mr Crichton, who was the Managing Director, knew every workman in the works, he'd call them by their first name, he was first on the doorstep if there was something wrong with the family, the old paternal type.......

      JS, Housewife, Broxburn

  • Related file records
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Photo - Robert Crichton - Black and white half-length photograph of Robert Crichton sitting in a chair. Stuck onto a cream card background with light embossed border and cream paper cover.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Photo - Robert Crichton - Black and white half-length photograph of Robert Crichton. Photograph has been stuck/mounted on a rough cut cream card, which has been stuck on a large piece of cream card with plain embossed border. The cream card cover has the printer's logo and address printed on the front (Moffat, Edinburgh).
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Photo - Robert Crichton - Black and white photograph of Robert Crichton sitting in an office chair and unwrapping a map in front of him.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Reference for Robert Crichton - Handwritten reference for Robert Crichton by James (illegible) on the Linlithgowshire Education Committee. Dated 7th April 1905.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Programme - 'Testimonial to Robert Crichton from Members of the Public in Philpstoun and District' - Souvenir programme for the retirement of Robert Crichton from Scottish Oils Ltd. 'Testimonial to Robert Crichton from Members of the Public in Philpstoun and District'. Friday 2nd April 1954. White card folded programme with black and white photograph of Robert Crichton on the front. Also handwritten on the front in blue ink is 'Robert Crichton'.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Copy of Speech given by the Principal of Heriot-Watt College on Robert Crichton - Type-written speech given by the Principal of Heriot-Watt College on Robert Crichton at the ceremony in connection with the award of the Honorary Fellowship in July 1952. Robert was one of the governors of Heriot Watt.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Copy of article written by the Scotsman on retirement of Robert Crichton - Type-written draft of an article written by the Scotsman, Edinburgh, on 22nd March 1954, on the retirement of Robert Crichton at the end of that month. Printed in blue/purple ink on thin white paper.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Photo - Robert Crichton receiving retirement gifts - Black and white photograph showing three men standing behind a table. The man in the middle was Robert Crichton and he is holding/looking at a camera. Man on the right is holding and looking at a wristwatch. The ink stamp on the back reads: 'Photography by W. Ralston Ltd., Glasgow. Negative no. 54/166-F'. Taken on the night of Robert's retirement from Scottish Oils Ltd.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Photo - Robert Crichton receiving retirement gifts - Black and white photograph showing three men standing behind a table. The man in the middle was Robert Crichton and he is receiving a gift, possibly on his retirement. The ink stamp on the back reads: 'Photography by W. Ralston Ltd., Glasgow. Negative no. 54/166-D'. Taken on the night of Robert's retirement from Scottish Oils Ltd.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Photo - Robert Crichton - Black and white photograph of Robert Crichton with another man standing in front of an exterior door. Held in white card with two front flaps. Note on the back reads: 'Crichton (illegible) (illegible) Bathgate 1950'.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Photo - Robert Crichton and Captain on board SS British Sailor - Black and white photograph of Robert Crichton (right) with the ship captain (centre) and another gentleman. Likely taken on board the 'SS British Sailor' (built 1953) in Loch Finnart at its naming ceremony. Mid 20th century.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Photo - Robert Crichton and Captain on board SS British Sailor - Black and white photograph of Robert Crichton (right) with the ship captain (centre) and another gentleman. Likely taken on board the 'SS British Sailor' (built 1953) in Loch Finnart at its naming ceremony. Mid 20th century.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Photo - Robert Crichton and others on board SS British Sailor on Loch Finnart - Black and white photograph of Robert Crichton (centre) possibly on board 'SS British Sailor' (built 1953) in Loch Finnart at its naming ceremony. Other people in photograph are unknown (not family). Mid 20th century.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Photo - Robert Crichton looking out over bings - Black and white photograph of Robert Crichton standing next to a woman on a balcony looking out over bings. Possibly Westwood Bings. 1950s.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Photo - Robert Crichton at evening event - Black and white photograph of three men and two women standing behind a table at an evening event. Robert Crichton is the second to last person on the right and his wife, Annie Black McDiarmid, is standing at the far right. Held in cream card and covered with attached flap.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Letter to Robert Crichton from U. B. Tristram - Typed document from U. B Tristram, Britannic House, Finsbury Circus, London, E.C.2, dated 11th November 1957, to Robert Crichton, C. B. E., Castlepark, Philpstoun, Linlithgow, West Lothian thanking Robert for lending him 'Lest We Forget' about the Sottish Shale Oil industry. Britannic House was designed and built in 1924-7 by Sir Edwin Lutyens for the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, which later became British Petroleum.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Education Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton - Education certificate from the Department of Science and Art of the Committee Of Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council on Education to certify that Robert Crichton obtained a Second Class in the Elementary Stage of Freehand Drawing, Subject 2b at an examination held by this Department in the year 1895.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Education Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton - Education certificate from the Department of Science and Art of the Committee Of Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council on Education to certify that Robert Crichton obtained a Second Class in the Elementary Stage of Freehand Drawing, Subject 2b at an examination held by this Department in the year 1896.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Education Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton - Certificate on cream card from Linlithgowshire Education Committee Technical Classes. Continuation Class Code Division II 2nd Year. Session 1903-1904. This is to Certify that Robert Crichton Age 22 attended the class in Chemistry (Practice & Theory). He made 35 1/2 hours of attendance out of a possible 43 1/2. Syllabus of work is covered on the reverse.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Education Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton - Certificate on cream card from Linlithgowshire Education Committee Technical Classes. Continuation Class Code Division II 1st Year. Session 1902-1903. This is to Certify that Robert Crichton Age 21 was granted a 2nd Class in Chemistry (Practice & Theory). He made 34 1/2 hours of attendance out of a possible 48. Syllabus of work is covered on the reverse.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Education Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton - Certificate on cream thick paper from Linlithgowshire Education Committee Technical Classes. Continuation Class Code Division II 1st Year. Session 1903-1904. This is to Certify that Robert Crichton Age 22 attended the class in mechanical engineering. He made 28 hours of attendance out of a possible 30 2/3. Syllabus of work is covered on the reverse.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Education Memorandum - Awarded to Robert Crichton - Memorandum on cream paper. From R. Calder to Robert Crichton regarding amending marks Crichton received at his examination in May 1905.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Education Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton - Certificate on cream thick paper from Linlithgowshire Education Committee Technical Classes. Continuation Class Code Division II 1st Year. Session 1904-1905. This is to Certify that Robert Crichton Age 22 attended the class in Electricity. He made 30 hours of attendance out of a possible 35. Syllabus of work is covered on the reverse.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Education Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton - Certificate on cream thick paper from Linlithgowshire Education Committee Technical Classes. Continuation Class Code Division II 3rd Year. Session 1903-1904. This is to Certify that Robert Crichton Age 22 attended the class in Mining. He made 38 1/3 hours of attendance out of a possible 40. Syllabus of work is covered on the reverse.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Education Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton - Certificate on cream thick paper from Linlithgowshire Education Committee Technical Classes. Session 1901-1902. This is to Certify that Robert Crichton Age 20 was granted a 1st class in Machine Construction. He made 35 attendances out of a possible 44. Syllabus of work is covered on the reverse.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Education Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton - Certificate on cream thick paper from Linlithgowshire Education Committee Technical Classes. Continuation Class Code Division III 2nd Year. Session 1902-1903. This is to Certify that Robert Crichton Age 22 granted a 1st class in Machine Construction.. He made 88 hours of attendance out of a possible 90. Syllabus of work is covered on the reverse.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Education Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton - Certificate on cream thick paper from Board of Educutation, South Kensington. This is to Certify that Robert Crichton obtained a First Class in Stage 3, at the examination in Principles of Mining, held in the year 1905.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Education Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton - Certificate on cream thick paper from Board of Educutation, South Kensington. This is to Certify that Robert Crichton obtained a First Class in the Advanced Stage, at the examination in Principles of Mining, held in the year 1903.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Education Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton - Certificate on cream thick paper from Board of Education, South Kensington. This is to Certify that Robert Crichton obtained a First Class in Stage 2, at the examination in Machine Construction and Drawing, held in the year 1904.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton - Certificate on cream thick paper. Certificate of Qualification of Fireman, Examiner, or Deputy under Section 15 (1) (b). This is to Certify that Robert Crichton residing at The Neuk, Philpstoun, has been duly examined and has satisfied the examiners - (a) That he is able to make accurate tests (so far as practicable with a safety lamp) for inflammable gas; (b) That he is able to measure the uantity of air in an air current; (c) That his hearing is such as to enable him to carry out efficiently the duties of Fireman, Examiner, or Deputy. November 5, 1912
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton - Certificate on cream thick paper from The Universal Mining School, Cardiff. Certificate of Efficient Study (For Second Class Examination) This is to Certify that Robert Crichton of Castlepark, Linlithgow, age 18, a student of The Universal Mining School, has gone through a Course of 15 Lessons on "Mining", suitable with practical experience, for preparing him to undertake the durites of an Under-Manager of a Mine, and has, to my satisfaction, carefully, efficiently, and not hurriedly, worked the exercises prescribed in connection therewith. 6 December 1900.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton - Handwritten certificate from the Mining Department, The College of Science and Technology, Edinburgh, dated 31 August 1901, for Robert Crichton in Surveying and Levelling.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton - Certificate on cream thick paper from Linlithgowshire Education Committee Technical Classes. Continuation Class Code Division II 2nd Year. Session 1902-1903. This is to Certify that Robert Crichton Age 22 granted a 1st class in Mining. He made 41 1/4 hours of attendance out of a possible 43. Syllabus of work is covered on the reverse.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton - Certificate on cream thick paper from Linlithgowshire Education Committee Technical Classes. Session 1901-1902. This is to Certify that Robert Crichton Age 20 was granted a 1st class in Principles of Mining Stage I. He made 19 attendances out of a possible 22. Syllabus of work is covered on the reverse.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Reference for Robert Crichton from James Ross & Co. Philpstoun Oil Works - A typed reference for Mr Robert Crichton from James Ross & Co Philpstown Oil Works. Linlithgow, 19th April. 1905.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Photo - Robert Crichton on Australia Trip - Black and white photograph of Robert Crichton (middle) and two other men on their arrival in Sydney on their Australian trip, January 1935.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Postcard - 1924 Labour Government Visit to Westwood Pit - Black and white photographic postcard of 5 figures standing in mining uniform, 4 wearing head torches. Text on reverse in pink pen reads: Labour Government 1924 Short-Per(illegible) visit Mr Shinwell Minister of Mines. Photo at Westwood Pit. Left: Masterton, Inspector of Mines Crichton, General Mining Manager Shinwell, Minister of Mines Caldwell, Mining Agent Easton, Mining Manager
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Photo - Robert Crichton outside Buckingham Palace - Black and white photograph of Robert Crichton and three ladies dressed up and standing outside a Buckingham Palace in London with a member of the King/Queen's Guard behind them. This was taken when Robert received his CBE.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Photo - Robert Crichton with HRH Duke of Kent at Dean's Oil Works - Black and white photograph of the HRH Duke of Kent next to Robert Crichton, in front of two other men and a low table of glass jars filled with liquids at Dean's Oil Works. 10 January 1940.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Photo - Robert Crichton and HRH Duke of Kent at Dean's Oil Works - Black and white photograph of the HRH Duke of Kent next to Robert Crichton, in front of two other men and a low table of glass jars filled with liquids at Dean's Oil Works. c.1940.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Photo - Scottish Oils Ltd workers outside Middleton Hall - Black and white photograph of Scottish Oils Ltd workers outside Middleton Hall c.1950. In the middle at the front is Robert Crichton.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Photo - Robert Crichton - Black and white half-length photograph of Robert Crichton. Stuck onto a cream card background with light embossed border and slightly scalloped edge, and cream paper cover.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Photo - Robert Crichton looking out over bings - Black and white photograph of Robert Crichton standing next to a woman on a balcony looking out over bings. Possibly Westwood Bings. 1950s.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Photo - Robert Crichton - Black and white full length photograph of Robert Crichton printed on cream card showing him wearing full dress suit, white bowtie and holding a hat in his right hand and a sword in his left. 'Lafayette Ltd' written on the front. This was Robert's court dress which he wore for the coronations of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II. He attended both in his role as convener of the council.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton - Certificate on cream thick paper from Linlithgowshire Education Committee Technical Classes. Continuation Class Code Division II. This is to Certify that Robert Crichton Age 24 successfully completed a three year's course in Electricity during the years 1904-7. He made 79 1/2 hours of attendance out of a possible 95. Syllabus of work is covered on the reverse.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton - Certificate on cream thick paper from Linlithgowshire Education Committee Technical Classes. Continuation Class Code Division III. This is to Certify that Robert Crichton Age 22 successfully completed a three year's course in Machine Construction during the years 1901-4. He made 225 1/2 hours of attendance out of a possible 250. Syllabus of work is covered on the reverse.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton - Certificate on cream thick paper from Linlithgowshire Education Committee Technical Classes. Continuation Class Code Division II. This is to Certify that Robert Crichton Age 22 successfully completed a four year's course in Mining during the years 1901-5. He made 145 1/2 hours of attendance out of a possible 162. Syllabus of work is covered on the reverse.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton - First Class Certificate of Competency, as per the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1887, for Robert Crichton. Dated. 5th June 1905. On the reverse is added typed text in blue ink: 'I hereby certify that Robert Crichton, the holder of this certificate, has had at least two years practical experience in the surveying of Mines. W. Walker. 22nd June 1912.' Related to LVSAV2022.067.066.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Letter - From W. Walker to Robert Crichton - Letter from W. Walker to Robert Crichton returning Crichton's now endorsed Certificate of Competency (LVSAV2022.067.065). Dated 22nd June 1912.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Magazine Article - Robert Crichton Obituary - Typewritten obituary article with black and white photograph for Robert Crichton in the BP Shield Magazine, Number Four, April 1966.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Programme - 'Testimonial to Robert Crichton from Members of the Public in Philpstoun and District' - Souvenir programme for Robert Crichton's retirement from Scottish Oils Ltd. 'Testimonial to Robert Crichton from Members of the Public in Philpstoun and District'. Friday 2nd April 1954. White card folded programme with black and white photograph of Robert Crichton on the front.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Magazine Article - Memorial Service for Robert Crichton - Typewritten article in the BP Scottish News, Monthly Journal for and about BP Personnel in Scotland about the memorial service for Robert Crichton. Page 5.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Newspaper Article - Death of Robert Crichton - Typewritten article in the West Lothian Courier, Friday March 18 1966, on the death of Robert Crichton. Article cutting is a folded page from the newspaper (showing pages 9,10, 19 and 20).
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Newspaper Article - 'Philpstoun Presentations. Village Community Honours Mr and Mrs Crichton. Record of Social Service.' - Typewritten article in the Linlithgowshire Journal and Gazette. Friday April 9 1954 . Article entitled: 'Philpstoun Presentations. Village Community Honours Mr and Mrs Crichton. Record of Social Service.'
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Folder - 'Robert Crichton Private Papers' - Card folder entitled: 'Robert Crichton Private Papers', all bound together. Mixture of documents including the 'Rules of the Provident Fund Scheme of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company Limited and Its Associated Companies' and a handwritten 'Bond by Robert Crichton in favour of Archibald Henderson Crichton'.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Draft Article - Retirement of Robert Crichton - Type-written draft of an article written by the Scotsman, Edinburgh, dated 23 March 1954, on the retirement of Robert Crichton at the end of that month. Printed in blue/purple ink on thin white paper. 5 pages.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Draft Speech - Principal of Heriot-Watt College on Robert Crichton and the Award of the Honorary Fellowship - Type-written speech given by the Principal of Heriot-Watt College on Robert Crichton at the ceremony in connection with the award of the Honorary Fellowship in July 1952. Two-three copies typed on thin white paper. Robert Crichton was one of the governors of Heriot Watt.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Draft Article - Retirement of Robert Crichton - Type-written draft of an article written by the Scotsman, Edinburgh, dated 23 March 1954, on the retirement of Robert Crichton at the end of that month. Printed in blue/purple ink on thin white paper. The article has 5 pages. The last 3 pages have been printed again and pinned on top of the full article. First and last pages are loose.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Photo - Robert Crichton - Black framed half portrait black and white photograph of Robert Crichton. Photograph is glued onto cream card mount. Picture can either be hung or propped up.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Photo - Launch of British Holly by Mrs Robert Crichton - Wood framed large photograph mounted in blue card. Group of people at the Launch of British Holly by Mrs Robert Crichton. Sir James Laing Ltd, Sunderland. 26 August 1946. Miss Ann G. Crichton 4th from the right. Robert Crichton and wife 5th and 6th from right.
    • LVSAV2022.067.085 - Shale - A piece of shale which has the following carved into it: 'This piece of OIL SHALE was dug in No. 2 Mine, Philpstoun by Robert Crichton on his first visit down a mine, 19th Nov 1887.' Robert was 5 or 6 years old at the time. This was a family tradition to mine a piece of shale on their first trip down a mine.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Shale - A piece of shale with 'Robert Crichton, 28 September 1927' carved into it. This was Robert Crichton's son, Robert Crichton Junior, who mined his first piece of shale with his sister Anne. This was a family tradition to mine a piece of shale on their first trip down a mine.
    • LVSAV2022.067 - Shale - A piece of shale with 'This piece of oil shale was dug by Anne Gordon Crichton, Westwood Pit, 28th September 1927'. Anne was Robert Crichton's daughter. This was a family tradition to mine a piece of shale on their first trip down a mine.

    Related file records

    File name Type Description Tags
    Copy of article written by the Scotsman on retirement of Robert Crichton Documents Type-written draft of an article written by the Scotsman, Edinburgh, on 22nd March 1954, on the retirement of Robert Crichton at the end of that month. Printed in blue/purple ink on thin white paper. -
    Education Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton Documents Certificate on cream card from Linlithgowshire Education Committee Technical Classes. Continuation Class Code Division II 2nd Year. Session 1903-1904. This is to Certify that Robert Crichton Age 22 attended the class in Chemistry (Practice & Theory). He made 35 1/2 hours of attendance out of a possible 43 1/2. Syllabus of work is covered on the reverse. -
    Education Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton Documents Certificate on cream card from Linlithgowshire Education Committee Technical Classes. Continuation Class Code Division II 1st Year. Session 1902-1903. This is to Certify that Robert Crichton Age 21 was granted a 2nd Class in Chemistry (Practice & Theory). He made 34 1/2 hours of attendance out of a possible 48. Syllabus of work is covered on the reverse. -
    Education Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton Documents Certificate on cream thick paper from Linlithgowshire Education Committee Technical Classes. Continuation Class Code Division II 1st Year. Session 1903-1904. This is to Certify that Robert Crichton Age 22 attended the class in mechanical engineering. He made 28 hours of attendance out of a possible 30 2/3. Syllabus of work is covered on the reverse. -
    Education Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton Documents Certificate on cream thick paper from Linlithgowshire Education Committee Technical Classes. Continuation Class Code Division II 1st Year. Session 1904-1905. This is to Certify that Robert Crichton Age 22 attended the class in Electricity. He made 30 hours of attendance out of a possible 35. Syllabus of work is covered on the reverse. -
    Education Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton Documents Certificate on cream thick paper from Linlithgowshire Education Committee Technical Classes. Continuation Class Code Division II 3rd Year. Session 1903-1904. This is to Certify that Robert Crichton Age 22 attended the class in Mining. He made 38 1/3 hours of attendance out of a possible 40. Syllabus of work is covered on the reverse. -
    Education Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton Documents Certificate on cream thick paper from Linlithgowshire Education Committee Technical Classes. Session 1901-1902. This is to Certify that Robert Crichton Age 20 was granted a 1st class in Machine Construction. He made 35 attendances out of a possible 44. Syllabus of work is covered on the reverse. -
    Education Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton Documents Certificate on cream thick paper from Linlithgowshire Education Committee Technical Classes. Continuation Class Code Division III 2nd Year. Session 1902-1903. This is to Certify that Robert Crichton Age 22 granted a 1st class in Machine Construction.. He made 88 hours of attendance out of a possible 90. Syllabus of work is covered on the reverse. -
    Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton Documents Certificate on cream thick paper from Linlithgowshire Education Committee Technical Classes. Continuation Class Code Division II 2nd Year. Session 1902-1903. This is to Certify that Robert Crichton Age 22 granted a 1st class in Mining. He made 41 1/4 hours of attendance out of a possible 43. Syllabus of work is covered on the reverse. -
    Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton Documents Certificate on cream thick paper from Linlithgowshire Education Committee Technical Classes. Session 1901-1902. This is to Certify that Robert Crichton Age 20 was granted a 1st class in Principles of Mining Stage I. He made 19 attendances out of a possible 22. Syllabus of work is covered on the reverse. -
    Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton Documents Certificate on cream thick paper from Linlithgowshire Education Committee Technical Classes. Continuation Class Code Division II. This is to Certify that Robert Crichton Age 24 successfully completed a three year's course in Electricity during the years 1904-7. He made 79 1/2 hours of attendance out of a possible 95. Syllabus of work is covered on the reverse. -
    Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton Documents Certificate on cream thick paper from Linlithgowshire Education Committee Technical Classes. Continuation Class Code Division III. This is to Certify that Robert Crichton Age 22 successfully completed a three year's course in Machine Construction during the years 1901-4. He made 225 1/2 hours of attendance out of a possible 250. Syllabus of work is covered on the reverse. -
    Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton Documents Certificate on cream thick paper from Linlithgowshire Education Committee Technical Classes. Continuation Class Code Division II. This is to Certify that Robert Crichton Age 22 successfully completed a four year's course in Mining during the years 1901-5. He made 145 1/2 hours of attendance out of a possible 162. Syllabus of work is covered on the reverse. -
    Certificate - Awarded to Robert Crichton Documents First Class Certificate of Competency, as per the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1887, for Robert Crichton. Dated. 5th June 1905. On the reverse is added typed text in blue ink: 'I hereby certify that Robert Crichton, the holder of this certificate, has had at least two years practical experience in the surveying of Mines. W. Walker. 22nd June 1912.' Related to LVSAV2022.067.066. -
    Magazine Article - Memorial Service for Robert Crichton Documents Typewritten article in the BP Scottish News, Monthly Journal for and about BP Personnel in Scotland about the memorial service for Robert Crichton. Page 5. -
    Folder - 'Robert Crichton Private Papers' Documents Card folder entitled: 'Robert Crichton Private Papers', all bound together. Mixture of documents including the 'Rules of the Provident Fund Scheme of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company Limited and Its Associated Companies' and a handwritten 'Bond by Robert Crichton in favour of Archibald Henderson Crichton'. -
    Draft Article - Retirement of Robert Crichton Documents Type-written draft of an article written by the Scotsman, Edinburgh, dated 23 March 1954, on the retirement of Robert Crichton at the end of that month. Printed in blue/purple ink on thin white paper. 5 pages. -
    Draft Speech - Principal of Heriot-Watt College on Robert Crichton and the Award of the Honorary Fellowship Documents Type-written speech given by the Principal of Heriot-Watt College on Robert Crichton at the ceremony in connection with the award of the Honorary Fellowship in July 1952. Two-three copies typed on thin white paper. Robert Crichton was one of the governors of Heriot Watt. -
    Draft Article - Retirement of Robert Crichton Documents Type-written draft of an article written by the Scotsman, Edinburgh, dated 23 March 1954, on the retirement of Robert Crichton at the end of that month. Printed in blue/purple ink on thin white paper. The article has 5 pages. The last 3 pages have been printed again and pinned on top of the full article. First and last pages are loose. -