The Scottish Engineering Hall of Fame celebrates and honours those engineers from, or closely associated with, Scotland who have achieved, or deserve to achieve, greatness.
The genius and skills of many engineers from or associated with Scotland have contributed hugely to the wellbeing of the world today, in all fields of engineering. This site will give you some insights into these outstanding individuals.
Five inductees were announced at the James Watt Dinner on Friday 6th October 2023:
- William Symington
- David Kirkaldy
- Sir Alexander Gibb
- Sir Nigel Gresley
- Carol Marsh
It is with great sadness that we note that our inductee, Professor Stephen Salter, MBE FRSE, Emeritus Professor of Engineering Design, University of Edinburgh, died on Friday 23rd February at the age of 85.
Gordon Masterton
Stephen had real impact on society and industry. He played a huge role in the success of the highly efficient Digital Displacement pump technology developed by Artemis Intelligent Power which won the MacRobert Award for Engineering in 2015. In 2001 he argued that a circular combined current and wave basin was needed to properly test wave and tidal energy devices at scale; 10 years later this led to the FloWave ocean test facility at the University of Edinburgh. FloWave uses the force-feedback controlled wave makers he originally developed and which were spun out and further developed by Edinburgh Designs; these wave makers adorn many other commercial, academic and leisure wave facilities around the world. He also advised many of the nascent and now more established wave and tidal energy companies on their designs and testing. He was inducted into the Scottish Engineering Hall of Fame in 2021. (adapted from a note by Gareth Harrison, Head of School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh)
Chairman, Scottish Engineering Hall of Fame
-
Alexander Gibb
Sir Alexander Gibb, Civil engineer: contractor for Rosyth Naval Dockyard. Later founded the UK's largest civil engineering consultancy.
-
Herbert Nigel Gresley
locomotive engineer who designed "The Flying Scotsman" the first steam locomotive to exceed 100 mph.
-
David Kirkaldy
Mechanical and materials engineer who established the world’s first independent commercial materials testing laboratory
-
Carol Marsh
electronics engineer, specialist in Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). Vice President IET, Past President WES.
Message from Fergus Ewing MSP at the launch of the Scottish Engineering Hall of Fame in 2011
“Scotland has a long and proud tradition of science and engineering excellence. I am pleased to offer my personal support in your efforts to inspire the next generation of young people to consider engineering as a credible and valuable career choice. While it is important to celebrate the great achievements made by Scottish engineers in the past, it is also vital that the contribution of those working today at the forefront of engineering is also recognised.
Improving science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education, in line with Curriculum for Excellence, is a key priority for the Scottish Government. Through changes in learning, teaching and leadership in schools, the curriculum and other changes now being put in place will provide new and creative opportunities to make STEM education more rewarding, stimulating and attractive for all young people.”
Fergus Ewing MSP
Minister for Business, Energy and Tourism (May 2011–May 2016)
Our Supporters
