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
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.
“It was brilliant. I had fun.” (child, age 14)