This month marks 240 years since work began on what would become one of Scotland’s most remarkable historic sites – New Lanark – which began as a bold industrial experiment and has grown into a cherished UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In 1785, using locally quarried stone, the first mill was built under the vision of David Dale, a pioneering textile entrepreneur and banker. By March 1786, New Lanark was already taking shape: a community that would go on to inspire social and industrial progress for generations. But before construction could begin, Dale had to secure the land - most of which belonged to Lord Braxfield, who rented it to Dale for £32 10shillings. Additional land was obtained from The Incorporation of Shoemakers in Lanark for £17 7shillings. Sir John Lockhart Ross charged £5 annual rent to allow Dale to carve into the rocky hills and create the mill lade, which would channel the water from the Clyde to power the mills.

What followed was nothing short of revolutionary and New Lanark quickly became a beacon of industrial and social progress, where education, workers’ welfare, and fair employment practices took centre stage, long before they were common practice. A lot has changed over the past 240 years, and as New Lanark celebrates this incredible milestone, visitors can reflect on its fascinating history.

To book your visit head to www.newlanark.org