Hugh Bryan Nisbet

Prof Hugh Bryan Nisbet FRIC FRSE CBE DLit (1902–1969) was a Scottish chemist who served as the first Principal of Heriot-Watt University. He had a specialist knowledge of petroleum.

Life[]

The grave of Hugh Bryan Nisbet, Morningside Cemetery, Edinburgh

He was born in Edinburgh on 31 March 1902 the son of Robina Currie (née Cockburn, 1870-1949) and Hugh Bryan Nisbet (1870-1954), a clerk. The family lived at 3 Maurice Place, off Blackford Avenue, in south Edinburgh.^[1] He attended George Heriot's School then studied science at the University of Edinburgh graduating with a BSc, and continuing as a postgraduate to gain his first doctorate (PhD).

In 1921 he began as a Demonstrator in Chemistry at Heriot-Watt College. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chemistry in 1926.

He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1940. His proposers were Thomas Slater Price, James Cameron Smail, James Pickering Kendall, William Ogilvy Kermack and . He served as Vice President to the Society 1955 to 1958.^[2]

In 1950 he became Principal of Heriot Watt College and when it received university status in 1966 he became its first Principal and Vice Chancellor. He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Years Honours list of 1963.^[3]

He died at home in Edinburgh on 21 November 1969. He is buried with his parents in Morningside Cemetery, Edinburgh. The grave is toppled and lies in the south-west section. A memorial service was held in his memory in Greyfriars Kirk.

Family[]

In 1929 he was married to Emily Murray Donmall (1900-1967). Following her death,in 1968 he married Flora Pellow (née Bigsby)(1908-1998).^[4]

Artistic recognition[]

His portrait by Alan Sutherland is held by Heriot-Watt University.^[5]

References[]