This month we learned the Scottish Engineering Hall of Fame is to welcome four new members, including the inventor of the automated cash machine.
Launched by The Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland, the Hall of Fame now has 27 people recognised for their talents.
So, without further ado, let’s meet the fantastic four who are joining this gallery of greats . . . and find out how they can inspire our own careers in engineering.
James Goodfellow
Although versions of his wonder machine are now commonplace all over the world, Paisley-born James received just £10 as a bonus for his invention and patent of an automated cash machine (ATMs) that used pin numbers.
Despite this, his enthusiasm and talent saw him come up with ever more innovative design ideas – he won IBM’s Outstanding Technical Achievement Award twice.
He’s proof to all modern engineers of the success to be found in continually improving and advancing.
Alexander Graham Bell
Bell was born in Edinburgh in 1847 and emigrated with his family to Canada in 1870 before moving to Boston.
If you thought his name rang a bell, it’s because it did. In 1875 he came up with a receiver that turned electricity into sound and was granted a patent – the Bell Telephone Company was created in 1877.
In January 1915 Alexander made the first transcontinental telephone call, all the way from New York to San Francisco.
His work shows the transformational power of communication.
Robert Stevenson
Born in Glasgow in 1772, Robert was dad to David, Alan and Thomas, all whom would grow up to be engineers themselves.
As an apprentice he supervised the building of a lighthouse on Little Cumbrae, kickstarting a career that, as well as bridges, totalled 15 lighthouses, including the famous Bell Rock Lighthouse at Arbroath.
For engineering apprentices building their career, his work is still a beacon of light.
Sir Duncan Michael
Born in Beauly in 1937, Sir Duncan’s excellence in structural engineering helped make Ove Arup and Partners into a mega-successful global business.
His best known achievement was formulating the immense side shells that supporting the spherical roof surfaces on the Sydney Opera House.
His works continues to inspire construction and civil engineers to create their own iconic structures.
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