Dr Miles Oglethorpe, head of industrial heritage at Historic Environment Scotland, has been writing about what makes Scotland’s industrial heritage so special – ahead of a conference on the subject in August 2018.
He says: “There is good reason to celebrate Scotland’s industrious achievements, which have yielded a legacy of some world-class industrial heritage. And, in 2019, we have a special opportunity to celebrate the 250th anniversary of James Watt’s invention of the Separate Condenser. Watt’s invention transformed the efficiency of the steam engine, in effect turbo-charging the industrial revolution.
“Watt was born in Greenock. Although his business became focused south of the Border in Birmingham, he had his moment of inspiration at Kinneil House near Bo’ness. If you visit, you can still see the small building he used as a laboratory today.
“In 2019, we’ll also be able to commemorate the life of Watt as the year is the 200th anniversary of his death.”
Read the full article on the Engine Shed website.
Main picture: The Watt Cottage workshop at Kinneil House, Bo’ness.
James Watt 