Holidays/ Trips

New Lanark - Scottish Borders

Saturday, 12 August 2006 18:10

Visit an historic village that offers an insight into how Cotton Mill workers and their families lived and worked

Founded in 1785 as a cotton manufacturing plant, New Lanark rose to fame as a model community under social reformer and philanthropist Robert Owen. The community, situated in a beautiful wooded gorge in the Scottish Borders, was the test case for a number of social and educational reforms pioneered by Owen.

Convinced that the character of man is formed for him, Owen insisted young children began their education as soon as they could walk. Adults were encouraged to attend lectures and recitals as New Lanark's progressive Institute for the Formation of Character, opened by Owen in 1816.

After the cotton mills closed in 1968, the New Lanark Conservation Trust came to the rescue. Set up in 1974, the Trust was faced with the task of restoring the dilapidated village. They were impressively successful; New Lanark was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.

Be sure to visit the two village shops from the 1820s and 1930s. The 1820s shop is regarded as one of the seeds of the Co-operative movement. From there a short walk along the river brings you to Owen's school. Step inside to enjoy the historic classroom, interactive gallery, audio-visual theatre shoe and The Millenium Experience - an introduction to both the future and the past.

New Lanark World Heritage Site,
South Lanarkshire
Scotland, ML 11 9DB
United Kingdom
www.newlanark.org

Open daily. Admission:-

Adults £5-95
Concession £3-95

Lanark Tourist Information Centre
Ph: 0155 5661 661

Last Updated ( Saturday, 12 August 2006 18:18 )

Abbotsford - Scottish Borders

Tuesday, 04 July 2006 00:00

Abbotsford is a treasure trove of historical artefacts, collected by one of Scotland's finest writers.

Sir Walter Scott (1771 - 1832) published his first novel Waverley in 1814 to help get himself out of financial difficulties. Set in the 1740's it is often described as the first historical novel. Being already an acclaimed poet, Scott published Waverley anonymously because he didn't want to spoil his reputation.

The book and its sequels were a great success, prompting Scott to build a home that would reflect his new literary status. He had bought a farm in the Borders in 1811 and in 1822 he knocked down the old buildings. Spending lavishly, Scott created what is now the main block of Abbotsford, built to a design by William Atkinson. The 16th century fortified style reflects Scott's own interest in his country's past and ignited a passion for Scott's - Baronial architecture in Scotland.

Scott' s architectural extravagance at Abbotsford led to financial ruin. He only managed to keep the house from creditors by giving it to his son. His novels, including Rob Roy and Ivanhoe continued to sell well after his death, posthumously paying off his debts.

Today, visitors can marvel at Scott's collection of historical artefacts from Waterloo relics to Rob Roy's purse, sgian-dubh and long barrelled gun. The library and study contain around 9,000 volumes dating back to at least the 16th century.

Abbotsford,
Melrose
Scotland TD6 9BQ
United Kingdom
http://www.scottsabbotsford.co.uk/

Open daily. Admission:-