Scotland Transformed

Follow Scotland's story through the 18th and early 19th century, a period of great change.

In 1707 the parliaments of Scotland and England joined to form the parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. What were the consequences of this change in the way Scotland was governed? How did it affect the transformation from a medieval to a modern society which had been going on throughout the previous century?

Things to see

In this gallery, you can examine the Union itself, follow the fortunes of the Jacobite risings, and explore Scottish society at the time of the Enlightenment. Find out how the Church influenced both ordinary life and some of the period's major debates and witness the machines that helped bring about the Industrial Revolution.

In the gallery

The Union

Explore the impact on Scotland of the Act of Union in 1707 that brought the parliaments of Scotland and England together at Westminster.

The Jacobite Challenge

Follow the story of the Jacobites who attempted to win back the crown on behalf of the Stewarts

Living on the Land

Explore the partly-reconstructed cruck-framed house from Dunbartonshire to find out what life was like in ordinary Lowland rural houses in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Power: From Water to Steam

See the huge Newcomen atmospheric engine in action, along with other steam engines that helped to power the Industrial Revolution in Scotland.

Trade and Industry

Follow how expertise in coal, iron and money fuelled the development of the Industrial Revolution in Scotland.

The Spirit of the Age

What was it like to live through the Scottish Enlightenment of the 18th century? How did people people live and think at the time? Find out here.

The Church

Find out about religious lifeand uncover the role of the church in Scotland during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Textiles Trades

Discover how textile manufacture played a vital part in the economy in the first half of the 19th century, with Scottish textiles sold throughout the world.

Fun and games

Dressing up in the Discovery Zone Besides enjoying the displays, younger visitors have the opportunity to dress up 18th century style while listening to some tunes from the period. You'll find the Discovery Zone in the Spirit of the Age gallery.