Henry Moubray Cadell


1860 - 1934

Scientist and industrialist. Henry Cadell of Grange near Bo'ness (Falkirk) was a noted geologist and geographer. He was educated at the University of Edinburgh and Clausthal Royal Mining Academy in Germany. He went on to work for the Geological Survey in Scotland, mapping the Highlands. He is particularly noted for his 'squeeze-box' which demonstrated the process of mountain-building and was used to explain the operation of the complex Moine Thrust in NW Scotland.

He inherited the family estates, mining and industrial business on the death of his father in 1888. Cadell served as a member of Linlithgowshire (West Lothian) County Council from 1890, retiring as its Convenor in 1929. He was a founding-member of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (1884) and served as Chairman of Council from 1919 to 1924 and a Vice-President from 1927 until his death. He published numerous papers and several books on the geology of Scotland, especially the oil-shale fields of the Lothians, and travelled extensively overseas. In 1899 he navigated the length of the Irrawaddy River in Burma.

His major works included The Story of the Forth (1913) and The Rocks of West Lothian (1925). His work was recognised by the award of an honorary degree by the University of Edinburgh in 1932.

Cadell lies buried in Carriden parish kirkyard. Mount Cadell in Spitzbergen (Svalbard) is named in his honour.


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