Evidence of the way Scots have made their mark in many different
fields can be found all over the Museum. The
Innovators gallery draws together some of the most
distinguished Scots of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Explore their contributions in the fields of science and
technology, exploration and travel, politics and the arts.
Exploration
Scots have been in the forefront of mapping and opening up
territories in North America, Africa and Australasia: John Rae in
the Canadian Arctic and David Livingstone in Southern Africa are
just two examples.
Proving that not all Scots innovators were male, Isobel Wylie
Hutchison (1889-1992) was an intrepid Arctic explorer and
botanist.
Geology
Scotland's landscape has been attracting geologists for several
hundred years, and it's not surprising that in the sciences
Scotland's own geologists have made a particular impact. Two of the
most innovative were James Hutton and Hugh Miller.
Technology and science
Meet a few of the dozens of Scots who have made a name in
technological development and invention, including James Watt, the
engineer and inventor famous for his work with steam power,
Alexander Graham Bell, renowned for inventing the telephone, and
John Logie Baird, the television pioneer.
Literature
Three of Scotland's three best-known writers feature here too.
Burns, Scott and Stevenson each developed a unique voice and have
been hugely influential. Their works have been translated into many
languages, and are still read and enjoyed all round the
world.