New Lanark World Heritage Site has secured funding from Drax Group for a major new interpretation and learning initiative that will explore the vital role hydropower has played in the site's history and its continuing relevance in today's renewable energy landscape.

The new project, Hydropower at New Lanark, is a Drax Supported Interpretation and Learning Project, will enhance educational resources, visitor interpretation and community engagement activities, helping people of all ages discover how the power of the River Clyde transformed New Lanark into one of the world’s most important industrial communities and continues to inspire conversations about sustainable energy in the 21st century.

The announcement follows the success of New Lanark and Drax Group’s first free Hydropower Tour, held on 15 July, which brought together staff, volunteers and local stakeholders to explore the site’s remarkable water-powered heritage. Participants were joined by the Drax team from Bonnington Hydroelectric Power Station, whose insights helped connect New Lanark’s pioneering industrial past with modern hydroelectric power generation on the River Clyde.

A second free Hydropower Tour will take place on 20 August, offering members of the public another opportunity to discover the engineering, innovation and renewable energy story that continues to shape this vital part of our natural landscape and resources.

The Drax-supported project will be developed collaboratively by the New Lanark Heritage Team, volunteers and pupils from local primary schools. Together, they will help create engaging new interpretation, learning materials and digital resources that make New Lanark’s hydropower story accessible to future generations.

Project activities will include the development of research and community engagement resources, educational workshop materials for school programmes, new exhibition displays, and promotional materials designed to enhance visitor understanding of how the River Clyde powered the village’s historic cotton mills.

The project is expected to benefit around 4,000 school pupils each year through enhanced learning opportunities linked to STEM subjects, sustainability and local history. Hands-on activities and educational resources will help young people explore both historic engineering achievements and contemporary renewable energy solutions.

Visitors will also benefit from new interpretation positioned at the beginning of their New Lanark experience, helping to explain the central role water power played in the success of the mills and how hydropower continues to contribute to renewable electricity generation today.

The Clyde has a long and fascinating history of hydropower that stretches back more than 200 years. The fast-flowing river was harnessed to drive machinery in the village’s cotton mills, enabling large-scale production and helping establish New Lanark as a globally significant centre of industry and social innovation.

Today, as communities and organisations across the world seek sustainable energy solutions, that historic story has gained fresh relevance. The new project will encourage visitors to reflect on the connections between industrial heritage, innovation, renewable energy and environmental responsibility.

A spokesperson for New Lanark World Heritage Site said:

“We are delighted to receive support from Drax Group for this exciting new project. Hydropower has always been at the heart of New Lanark’s story. The River Clyde powered the mills that helped shape this community and its international reputation for innovation.

“This project will allow us to share that story in new and engaging ways, connecting our industrial heritage with important contemporary discussions around renewable energy and sustainability. By involving local volunteers and pupils from New Lanark Primary School, we are ensuring that the project is rooted in community participation while creating valuable learning opportunities for future generations.

“We would also like to thank everyone who attended our first Hydropower Tour in July. The enthusiasm and interest shown by participants demonstrated just how relevant and inspiring this story remains today.”

Sarah Baird, Drax Community Manager Scotland said:

“As the Lanark Hydro Scheme approaches its centenary, we are delighted to support this project with New Lanark World Heritage Site to enable school children to discover the remarkable history of hydropower on the River Clyde.

“This project is a fantastic opportunity to connect that heritage with the role renewable energy continues to play today, while creating engaging learning experiences for local school pupils, volunteers, and visitors.

“At Drax, we are committed to supporting the communities where we operate and inspiring the next generation to learn more about engineering, sustainability, and climate change. We are delighted to work with New Lanark Heritage Site on a project that brings together education and renewable power in such a meaningful way.”

The free Hydropower Tours form an important part of the wider project, providing first-hand access to the landscape and infrastructure that made New Lanark’s success possible.

Participants on the 20 August tour will have the opportunity to explore the historic mill lade, surviving mill structures, a replica waterwheel, historic and modern turbines, and the wider hydropower landscape including a rare glimpse of Bonnington Hydroelectric Power Station. The tour offers a unique perspective on how water power has shaped both the historic village and the surrounding area.

As New Lanark continues to welcome visitors from across Scotland and around the world, the project aims to strengthen understanding of the site’s Outstanding Universal Value while demonstrating how lessons from the past can help inform conversations about the future.

Through education, community participation and engaging interpretation, the partnership between New Lanark and Drax will ensure that the story of hydropower remains a living part of the visitor experience, inspiring new audiences to explore the enduring relationship between heritage, innovation and sustainability.

Places are now available for the free Hydropower Tour on 20 August. Visitors interested in learning more about New Lanark’s unique hydropower heritage and its connections to modern renewable energy are encouraged to book early due to limited capacity.

For booking information and visitor details, visit the New Lanark website.