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Innovators

Meet the Scots who made history during the 18th and 19th centuries.

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 are here too. Burns, Scott and Stevenson each developed a unique voice and have been hugely influential around the world.