Historic 1911 Petrie steam engine brought back to life at New Lanark

A historic steam engine that once powered New Lanark has been brought back to life at the world heritage site.

The 1911 Petrie engine, located in the visitor centre at the former cotton spinning mill village, had been out of operation since 2018 after the volunteer who maintained it retired. The pandemic further delayed efforts to restore the machine.

However, a new fleet of dedicated volunteers, alongside New Lanark heritage staff, have spent months working to return the engine to its former glory.

Derrick White has volunteered with the project for six months.

The cotton mill in its heyday Glasgow City Archives

He told STV News: “I’ve been volunteering for about six months, and I’ve been supporting the team with things like different events and activities that have been happening. I’m looking forward to getting involved with the maintenance of the steam engine.”

While the engine no longer powers the cotton mills that were once the village’s livelihood, it remains an important reminder of New Lanark’s industrial history.

The village’s ongoing conservation and rehabilitation process, spanning nearly 50 years, had preserved its appearance to closely resemble the early 19th century when the mill buildings were part of one of the largest industrial groups in the world.

New Lanark’s volunteer programme, relaunched six months ago, has brought together people from all backgrounds to help bring local heritage to life.

This month, the programme will expand further with students taking on placements.

Jimmy Tennant, New Lanark’s head of estates, was taught how to maintain the engine by the retired volunteer and is now passing on that knowledge to new volunteers.

“To come here and work with members of the public who’ve got a passion to help us out is really, really good,” he said.

“Don’t get me wrong – we learn from them as well because they’ve always got some knowledge of what they want to come in here and do, so it’s always a bit for both of us.”

Lydia Housley, New Lanark’s heritage officer, added: “Seeing it switched on, it was just a really exciting moment, and it’s just fab, but it was a lovely team moment as well.

“It feels like the work that we’re doing is kind of culminated a little bit in this, so it’s been a lovely moment to bring the team together, but also to hear our history coming to life.”