World-famous chemist Dr I Allan Brownlie left a lasting legacy

Dr Brownlie moved to Edinburgh in 1952 as a research chemist for the Scottish Agricultural Industries, part of Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI).

His greatest gift to chemistry was achieved as a researcher in the Capital. Together with colleague George Wemyss, he simplified the process and cost of fertiliser production, which had previously been very expensive to manufacture.

Called the PhoSAI process, it was patented to 28 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia and Soviet Russia.

He lived in Durham Square, near Portobello, with his family and worked his way up to development director in 1971.

Based in the head office in Palmerston Place, he was in charge of many workers and guided the company to financial success.

From his Edinburgh home, Dr Brownlie travelled extensively around the world, giving lectures and supervising manufacturing plants.

His daughter, Dr Serena Brownlie, said: "He was pretty much a workaholic. Life was a serious business for him."

One of his most talked about experiences was a historic visit to Chairman Mao's China in November 1971. He was part of the first trade mission from a Western country to China organised by the Scottish Council for Development and Industry.

Serena recalled her father's memories of the trip. She said: "They were terrified of upsetting their hosts. They couldn't be late, had to keep to strict protocol and weren't allowed to take any photos of the Chinese people."

Dr Brownlie bravely forced himself to eat birds' nests and shark fin soup to avoid offence. "He was a person who did not enjoy eating unusual food," said Serena.

Family was his other dedication. Serena twice accompanied her father to Canada and remembers spending precious time together on a ranch.

The family moved to Livingston in 1970 where he enjoyed the countryside surrounding the new town.

Dr Brownlie was dogged with ill health throughout his life and sometimes found it difficult to sleep.

Serena said: "He suffered from asthma and because treatments were not so effective back then, it makes his achievements even more remarkable."

Originally from Newmains, North Lanarkshire, Dr Brownlie's father died when he was only 11 years old. He helped with the family grocery business before going to study chemistry at the University of Glasgow. He obtained his PhD in 1948.

Dr Brownlie was a prolific academic and inventor, with four patents and publications in many scientific journals.

He won numerous awards, including the Dr James MacKenzie Prize for research and the Newton Chamber Prize for the specifications of a new infrared spectrometer.

He was a devoted supporter of Serena as she grew up and began her veterinary career in Edinburgh.

He was married to Anne McConnochie for 58 years and had two grandchildren.

After a long retirement, Dr Brownlie died on December 23, 2008.

"He was very determined," said Serena. "One thing he wanted is for people to remember his achievements."