The so-called Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918/19 infected around a third of the world’s population in four lethal waves. Many people thought there was little that could – or should – be done to prevent it. Manchester’s Medical Officer thought differently. Dr James Niven, born in Peterhead, had a background in mathematics as well as medicine, and was passionate about public health. In fighting the pandemic, he promoted hand hygiene, good ventilation, the self-isolation of infected people, and the closure of schools and cinemas – and he worked tirelessly to spread the word.

John Mellis, author of Scotland’s Science, tells the story of a man who was far ahead of his time.

You can watch this free event from here, through the YouTube link below, or if you’d like to join questions and discussion, you can also go to the Science Festival’s YouTube channel