The Industrial Revolution of the 19th century: a legacy. Two-day tour of Scotland

In 1769 Scottish engineer James Watt patented the first ever two-cylinder steam engine. This invention triggered the Industrial Revolution, which made Great Britain the largest and most powerful world power by the middle of the 19th century. The "heart" of industrialization was Scotland. It was not only because of its natural deposits of coal, iron and other minerals, not because of its large workforce, but also because of its unique scientific and technological potential and the bright minds of scientists: physicists, chemists, mathematicians, whose knowledge and talent were developed in the walls of Scottish universities of St. Andrews, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. It is no coincidence that Edinburgh in the middle of the 18th century became one of the most significant centres of the European Enlightenment and remains so to this day. In Britain began to build railways and bridges, new passenger, merchant and military ships were built and active trade with colonies began. The phenomenal economic growth was based on scientific and technological progress, which in turn was made possible by widespread compulsory education for all estates.

In picturesque woodland Lanarkshire, near the spectacular Clyde Falls, is perhaps the most striking example of the industrial heritage of the past - the former weaving mill, now the New Lanark Museum. But the word 'museum' doesn't do justice to this unique set of 18th- and 19th-century industrial, residential and social structures set against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery.