The first shipment of US shale gas has just arrived in Scotland. A tanker carrying 27,500m3 of ethane from US shale fields docked at Grangemouth, the refinery and petrochemicals plant owned by Ineos.

The first bulk cargo to be shipped from England to America was in July 1620 in a ship called Mayflower – its cargo- men, women and children! There were over 100 people plus 20-30 crew. This ship was considered at that time to be one of the most modern bulk cargo ships to be built and despite some terrible Atlantic storms it survived to land the first settlers on shore after enduring 66 days at sea. One woman, Elizabeth Hopkins gave birth, whilst at sea, to her first son aptly names Oceanus.

A few weeks ago I received a letter from my dental practice reminding me to book an appointment for a dental inspection. So I booked for this week and as we all do I brushed my teeth and 'teeped' between them several times a day for a few days before my visit. Did it work – NO. OK so I did not require any fillings, however my dentist sent me to the hygienist (or the detention class as I call it) to have my teeth and gums properly cleaner and to be suitably lectured by the hygienist.

Do you have a 1st or 2.1 Honours degree, with an MSc or MEng degree in any of the following disciplines; Acoustics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Physics? Are you looking to launch a career in industry? Then this opportunity could be for you.

Have you ever heard of the Carbon Cycle? Well in my case it started in my academic and business life in my late teens and has continued to this present day. Let me explain. My academic career started in the Department of Organic Chemistry, Queens University, Belfast, Northern Ireland and I just loved it. I had a fabulous boss, a real lady, Dr Barbara Auret and my main job was in making rare organic chemicals to be used by PHD students in their work.