About New lanark trust
New Lanark Trust: Preserving History and Promoting Sustainability
New Lanark Visitor Centre is a unique destination located in the heart of Scotland, near Glasgow and Edinburgh. The centre is managed by New Lanark Trust, a non-profit organization that aims to preserve the rich history of the village while promoting sustainable living.
The village of New Lanark was founded in 1785 by David Dale, a Scottish entrepreneur who built cotton mills along the River Clyde. The village quickly became one of the most successful industrial communities in Europe, attracting workers from all over Scotland and beyond. However, it was not just an industrial hub; it was also a model community that provided its residents with decent housing, education, healthcare and leisure facilities.
Today, New Lanark is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding universal value as an early example of urban planning based on social welfare principles. The visitor centre offers visitors an opportunity to step back in time and experience life in this unique community through interactive exhibits, guided tours and audio-visual presentations.
One of the highlights of the visitor centre is Robert Owen's School for Children. Robert Owen was a social reformer who took over management of New Lanark Mills in 1800s. He introduced many progressive ideas such as shorter working hours for children under ten years old; free education for all children up to ten years old; adult education classes; sick pay; pensions; savings schemes etc., which were revolutionary at that time.
The school building has been restored to its original condition with authentic furniture and teaching aids from that era. Visitors can see how children were taught reading writing arithmetic using slates quills inkwells etc., which are still used today by some schools around Scotland.
Another attraction at New Lanark Visitor Centre is Millworkers' House Museum where visitors can see how mill workers lived during Victorian times when they worked long hours six days week without any holidays or sick leave benefits. The museum has recreated a typical mill worker's house with original furniture, clothing, and household items.
The visitor centre also offers guided tours of the village where visitors can see the restored mill buildings, waterwheel, and machinery. They can also walk along the River Clyde and enjoy the scenic beauty of Falls of Clyde which is a series of waterfalls that cascade down through wooded gorges.
Apart from preserving history, New Lanark Trust is committed to promoting sustainable living. The trust has implemented several initiatives to reduce carbon footprint such as installing solar panels on rooftops; using energy-efficient lighting; recycling waste materials; encouraging visitors to use public transport or cycle instead of driving cars etc.
The trust also runs an organic garden where they grow vegetables fruits herbs without using any chemical fertilizers pesticides. Visitors can learn about organic farming methods and buy fresh produce from the garden shop.
New Lanark Trust organizes various events throughout the year such as music festivals craft fairs Christmas markets etc., which attract thousands of visitors from all over Scotland and beyond. These events provide opportunities for local artists artisans farmers to showcase their talents products while promoting tourism in this region.
In conclusion, New Lanark Visitor Centre managed by New Lanark Trust is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history sustainability. It offers a unique opportunity to experience life in an early model community that was based on social welfare principles while learning about modern-day initiatives aimed at reducing carbon footprint promoting organic farming practices. With its stunning location near Glasgow Edinburgh Scotland it's no wonder why so many people flock here every year!