3 days ago
'Power Trail' launches at New Lanark and the Falls of Clyde
The project explores heritage, environment and hydro power through interactive learning.
A 'Power Trail' has officially launched at New Lanark and the Falls of Clyde – inviting schools, visitors and learners of all ages to explore the remarkable story of waterpower, from 18th-century cotton mills to 21st-century renewable energy.
On Monday, June 2, the public trail was officially launched at New Lanark with representatives from all partner organisations, as well as students and educators from Lanark Grammar School, who were among the first to explore the new trail in action.
The Power Trail follows a 1.2km walking route from New Lanark through the Falls of Clyde nature reserve, past Dundaff Linn, Bonnington Power Station, and up to Corra Linn. It includes 12 interpretation panels across eight key locations and takes around 45 minutes to complete.
Kate Lapping, head of heritage at New Lanark, said: 'We're delighted to have partnered on this project and are grateful for the opportunity to further develop our visitor experiences. This initiative will not only explore our onsite heritage but also highlight its connections to the wider community and environment.'
The trail has been developed as part of the Vision for Lanark initiative and is a partnership between Lanark Community Development Trust, Drax, New Lanark Trust, and the Scottish Wildlife Trust.
It has received funding from Drax Group, operators of Bonnington Power Station, and SSE's Sustainable Development Fund, which also supported the creation of linked STEM education resources.
Sylvia Russell, chairman of Lanark Community Development Trust, said: 'As chairman of Lanark Community Development Trust I would like to thank our partners, New Lanark Trust and Scottish Wildlife Trust, for their help and support in bringing this project to completion.
'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.'
The Power Trail has been carefully developed to support school group learning, introducing learners to three core themes: heritage, environment, and hydro-electricity. The accompanying digital STEM resources are designed for use in the classroom to enhance onsite visits or support remote learning, making the trail's themes accessible beyond the walk itself.
While designed with educational groups in mind, the trail is open to all visitors and learners. Whether walking the trail or engaging with the digital content, the Power Trail encourages everyone to discover the story of waterpower and its relevance to Scotland's past, present, and future.
The project has three core themes:
■ Heritage –Learn how 18th-century engineering innovation powered the cotton mills of New Lanark and discover 250 years of hydro technology.
■ Environment – Explore the Falls of Clyde and the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve, home to ancient forests and diverse wildlife.
■ Hydro-Electricity – Visit one of the UK's earliest hydro-electric power stations, still generating clean energy today, and consider hydro's role in Scotland's energy future.
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.'
Michael Shanks, MP for Rutherglen & Minister for Energy, added: '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.'
Jamie Clarkson, ASC and geography teacher at Lanark Grammar, said: 'The pupils all commented that they liked seeing all the different parts of the trail, especially the water wheel, turbine and the waterfall. They all came away saying that they had learned something new, and they were full of smiles for the rest of the afternoon. Definitely a great wee afternoon out for them all.'
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