New Lanark

Have always wanted to visit the New Lanark World Heritage Site, a restored 18th century cotton mill village in Southern Scotland, and today I did. What a marvellous, beautiful and interesting place it is. Founded by David Dale in 1785, the village became famous as a model industrial community under the enlightened management of Dale's son-in-law, Robert Owen, from 1800-1825. Owen transformed life in New Lanark with ideas and opportunities which were at least a hundred years ahead of their time. Child labour and corporal punishment were abolished, and villagers were provided with decent homes, schools and evening classes, free health care, and affordable food. Ellie and Anna loved the old school room, dressing up in replica tunics and writing on slates. One Norwegian visitor thought that they were part of the staff, there to entertain the visitors as authentic children! More photos of the lovely site are here.