Inverclyde's annual fireworks display in 2019 will have a science theme to mark the achievements of local inventor James Watt. The display will take place on November 2 at Battery Park, Greenock. Fairground rides will be operational from 5.30 p.m. with the fireworks starting at 7 p.m. A post on Inverclyde Council's website says: "Wrap … Continue reading Celebrating science – with a bang – in Watt’s home town
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Galoshans Festival celebrates James Watt
One of Greenock's most famous sons - the inventor James Watt - will be celebrated in the area's Galoshans Festival this autumn. The event runs from October 25 to November 1, promising a "vibrant programme of events", celebrating creativity and community spirit. A spokesperson for the organisers said: "The festival combines arts and heritage, centred … Continue reading Galoshans Festival celebrates James Watt
Walk in Watt’s footsteps and go Forth
Two areas associated with James Watt will be stopping off points for free community walks this October. Kinneil Estate in Bo'ness and the area around the former Carron Iron Works in Falkirk will be visited by "Wanderings and Windings" walks, organised by the Inner Forth Futures project. The initiative has been establishing new community trails … Continue reading Walk in Watt’s footsteps and go Forth
The women behind Watt
Historian Dr Kate Croft has been talking about the women behind Watt - his two wives. The inventor and engineer was married to Margaret ("Peggy") Miller from 1764 until her death in 1773. In 1776 he married Ann MacGregor. Ann's relationship with Watt continued until his death in 1819. While much has been written about … Continue reading The women behind Watt
Visit historic Kinneil for free on October 5
Historic Kinneil House in Bo'ness - once home to James Watt's business partner Dr John Roebuck - will be open for free guided tours on Saturday, October 5, 2019. Booking is essential. Tours will run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., with the last admission at 3pm. To secure a free place you must reserve … Continue reading Visit historic Kinneil for free on October 5
Sound and light show at Soho House
History fans can experience a sound and light show at Soho House, the Birmingham mansion of James Watt's business partner Matthew Boulton. The building now operates as a museum. The show, on October 12, has been organised by Legacy WM. Book tickets, priced £6 each, via Eventbrite. Watt and Boulton were both members of the Lunar … Continue reading Sound and light show at Soho House
Delving into the history of Kennetpans
Historian Bill Whitehead has been delving into the history of Kennetpans - the former distillery site that was once home to the first Boulton and Watt engine in Scotland. Bill recently spoke at a conference on Watt at the University of Birmingham and chatted later about his research into the Kennetpans Distillery, set up in … Continue reading Delving into the history of Kennetpans
Author talks about Watt and new book
Author David Miller has been talking about his new book about James Watt. “The Life and Legend of James Watt: Collaboration, Natural Philosophy, and the Improvement of the Steam Engine” was published earlier this year by the University of Pittsburgh Press (hardcover, $50, ISBN 978-0-8229-4558-1). David is emeritus professor of history of science at the … Continue reading Author talks about Watt and new book
Get dressed to kilt in Watt tartan
History fans can now buy a complete Highland Dress outfit featuring the new James Watt tartan. The tartan was developed for Inverclyde Council to mark the 200th anniversary of inventor Watt's death. A number of small commemorative items, such as tartan ties, have been produced and sold in the area. Now a retailer in Greenock … Continue reading Get dressed to kilt in Watt tartan
Sign of the times at Kinneil
Historic Environment Scotland has revamped some of the signs at the site of the former cottage workshop of James Watt. The organisation has remade and remounted plaques on a historic steam engine cylinder, sited next to the remains of the Watt workshop at Kinneil Estate, Bo'ness. The workshop was built in the 1760s behind Kinneil … Continue reading Sign of the times at Kinneil
