New Industries in the 1920s (SQA National 5 History): Revision Note

Summary 

After World War One, Scotland moved into new industries like oil refining, aluminium and electric power. These new industries were unlike the old heavy industries, such as shipbuilding. Oil refining in Grangemouth offered new jobs and skills for workers.

Development of new industries in Scotland

• The Grangemouth oil refinery opened in 1924 and became a hub for fuels and later petrochemicals

• Large hydro power plants created new engineering work

  • The Lochaber smelter began production in 1929

• There was a growth of power companies

  • Clyde Valley Power Company increased its power generation capacity

• Light electrical and consumer goods were manufactured and marketed to new mass consumers, such as

  • Radios

  • Vacuum cleaners

  • Sewing machines (e.g. Singer at Clydebank)

• Scotland had smaller employment gains in electrical engineering and vehicle manufacturing compared with England

• House building provided work in Scotland as reliance on heavy industry decreased