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Workshop of the World

Discover how industry carried the name of Scotland across the globe in the 19th century.

Railway engineering, whisky production and shipbuilding all contributed to Scotland's reputation as a pioneering industrial nation.

Steam power

By the late 19th century Scotland was one of the world's major suppliers of railway equipment. As many as 58 companies built railway locomotives, with the main centres in Glasgow and Kilmarnock.

The mighty steam locomotive Ellesmere, built in 1861 by Leith Engine Works, dominates the gallery, but model train enthusiasts will love our working models too, from the first locomotive built in Scotland to the double-ended Fairlie engine built for the Mexican Railways in 1903.

Whisky galore

Whisky distilling has a long history in Scotland, but expanded as an industrial process in the 19th century (Case 4). It became an extremely valuable export and source of tax revenue.

Don't miss the vast copper spirit still from the Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown.

Shipbuilding

Of all Scotland's big industries, shipbuilding is perhaps the best known. In the 19th century the focus of Scotland's overseas trade shifted to the west coast, and the lower reaches of the River Clyde saw increasing activity in making ships. In the transition from wooden sailing ships to iron and steel steamships, Clyde builders and engineers were world leaders.

Over the decades many hundreds of ships were built, from tugs and dredgers to huge passenger liners and warships. In 1867, 234 vessels were launched from 37 Clyde shipyards. The ship models displayed give a glimpse of some of this huge activity.

Made in Scotland

A huge range of other products played a part in Scotland's industrial success. Made in Scotland looks at just a few of them. Engineering, papermaking, printing and bookbinding, the chemical industry, glassmaking and heavy ceramics all flourished.