New Lanark World Heritage Site

(Above image is a capture of the Falls of Clyde at New Lanark.)


New Lanark presents an excellent link with Scotland's industrial history combined with accessible scenery.

The site is located about 35 miles S.W. of Edinburgh and 33 miles S.E. of Glasgow.

Overview of part of site from rooftop vantage point.

This massive cotton manufacturing plant has its origins in the the late 18th century when it was originally established by David Dale (1739-1806).  Original power source was free and very eco-friendly in the form of the River Clyde. This resulted is some very advanced and impressive engineering to harness the power of the water supply which remains in evidence today.

 Cotton Spinning Machinery

 
Steam Engine Power Plant

Apart from the sheer scale of this enterprise, New Lanark is remembered for the social pioneering of subsequent owner, Robert Owen who focused on the workers quality of life as manifested in improved working conditions, a school, adult education and a village store.

Mill Workers Accommodation

By the 1970s the mill had gone into decline but was rescued by a conservation trust which ultimately, and deservedly, achieved World Heritage status for the site. Many of the workers houses have been reinstated as homes and part of the former mill has been converted to a hotel. On site some modest scale spinning is still undertaken. The nearby waterfalls are also deserving of a visit.

Falls of Clyde

 
The visitor experience is, perhaps, stilted towards children but, nevertheless, is worthy of a visit by persons of all ages and will be of special interest to those attracted by industrial history.