New 1.2km 'Power Trail' showcases village's waterpower history

Yahoo

2 days ago

A new 1.2km 'Power Trail' has opened at New Lanark and the Falls of Clyde.
The trail invites visitors, schools, and learners of all ages to explore the history of waterpower from the 18th century to modern renewable energy.
It was constructed as part of the Vision for Lanark initiative and is a joint effort by Lanark Community Development Trust, Drax, New Lanark Trust, and the Scottish Wildlife Trust.
(Image: Supplied) The project was funded by the Drax Group, operators of Bonnington Power Station, and SSE's Sustainable Development Fund.
Starting at New Lanark, the trail takes approximately 45 minutes to complete and features 12 information panels located across eight sites.
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On June 2, the trail was officially launched, with representatives from all partner organisations and students from Lanark Grammar School present.
The new trail is designed to support school group learning, introducing learners to core themes of heritage, environment, and hydro-electricity.
(Image: Supplied) While it is primarily intended for educational purposes, the trail is open to all visitors.
Michael Shanks, MP for Rutherglen and Minister for Energy, said: "This exciting new trail showcases New Lanark's incredible heritage in the development of some of our first renewables – an early marker of Scotland's potential to generate clean power.
"Hydro schemes continue to play a critical role in our energy mix, and being able to see the journey of this technology through the centuries is a great opportunity."
Sarah Cameron, Scotland community manager at Drax, said: "Drax are delighted to support the development of the Power Trail, as our Lanark Hydro scheme approaches its 100th anniversary.
"We hope all visitors following the trail enjoy learning about how Bonnington Power Station operates using the River Clyde."
Sylvia Russell, chairman of Lanark Community Development Trust, said: "We are also very grateful to Drax and SSE for their generous grant funding.
"We hope that visitors to New Lanark will find the new trail interesting and informative and that school groups will make use of the excellent STEM teaching resources."