John Scott (shipbuilder)

John Scott CB FSA Scot FRSE MICE MINA (5 September 1830, Greenock – 19 May 1903, Ayrshire)[1] was a Scottish engineer and shipbuilder.

After education at Edinburgh Academy and then studying at Glasgow University, John served an apprenticeship to his father, and, on attaining his majority, was admitted to partnership in the firm.

At an early date he recognised the economy likely to result from the use of higher steam-pressures, and about 1857 he built the Thetis, of 650 tons, which was fitted with a two-cylinder engine of his own design and with water-tube boilers of the Rowan type, the working-pressure being 125 lbs.

The result was satisfactory so far as economy of fuel was concerned, though internal corrosion of the tubes rendered it necessary to withdraw the boilers after a short time.

Further pursuit of the question of higher steam-pressures brought him the acquaintance of Samson Fox, with whom he was associated for many years in the development of the corrugated flue.

He was a lover of books and formed one of the finest private libraries in Scotland, containing some rare first editions and early manuscripts as well as literature relating to his own profession.

Scott's library, which was rich in works connected with Scotland and the Stuarts as well as in naval and shipbuilding literature, was sold at Sotheby's (27 March-3 April 1905).