1965 - Bachelor's Degree

The Foundation Years

In 1965, Jim Swan graduated from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh with a degree in applied chemistry.

Scotland in the 1960s

Scotland experienced considerable change during the mid-1960s. As a 20-year-old in 1962, Jim Swan photographed the Forth Road Bridge under construction. When the bridge opened in 1964, it replaced the car ferry service that had previously connected the two sides of the Firth of Forth.

The discovery of North Sea gas in 1965 offered prospects for reduced energy costs. New infrastructure connected previously isolated communities. The Scottish economy grew during this period, with expansion in manufacturing, chemicals, and traditional industries.

Industrial development affected Scottish coastal areas. In 1968, the Isle of Islay received its first roll-on/roll-off car ferry service, improving connections between the whisky-producing island and the mainland.

                Industrial Chemistry in the 1960s: The decade saw significant investment in industrial chemistry. In 1966, British shops stocked two flavours of crisps. Food and beverage industries increasingly applied analytical chemistry to production processes. The prevailing view held that precise measurement and understanding of molecular structure could improve manufactured products. This approach represented a shift toward applying scientific methods to industries that had previously relied primarily on traditional practices.
            

Applied Chemistry at Heriot-Watt

Founded in 1821 as the School of Arts of Edinburgh (the world's first mechanics' institute), the institution became the Watt Institution in 1852, then merged with George Heriot's Trust in 1885 to form Heriot-Watt College. When Jim Swan studied there in the early 1960s, it operated from Chambers Street in central Edinburgh. It received full university status by Royal Charter in 1966.

The applied chemistry programme emphasised practical applications over theoretical research. The curriculum addressed manufacturing processes, quality control, and product development. The course prepared students to work in industrial settings rather than academic research.

Employment Prospects

Jim Swan graduated during a period of demand for chemistry graduates. Scottish industry required chemists in petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food science, and materials development. His training in analytical methods and practical problem-solving was applicable across multiple sectors.

He subsequently worked with distillers, blenders, and coopers, applying analytical chemistry to whisky production.

Core Competencies

His education at Heriot-Watt provided specific technical skills:

Analytical methods: Design of experiments and interpretation of data
Industrial focus: Application of science to manufacturing needs
Chemical understanding: Knowledge of molecular interactions and transformations
Scale considerations: Recognition that laboratory findings must translate to production scale
Regional context: Familiarity with Scotland's industrial and scientific heritage

These capabilities informed his subsequent approach to whisky production.

Further Information

Jim Swan's work from his early career as a graduate chemist to his later consulting practice is documented in a forthcoming publication. The account covers his work at Arthur D. Little's Scottish laboratory, his involvement in addressing the chill haze issue through industry collaboration, and his development of analytical approaches to production.

The book examines how analytical chemistry was applied to traditional whisky production practices.