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25 April 2025

New exhibition explores the history of Scotland’s railways

‘Smoke and Steel: the History of Scotland’s Railways’ is a brand-new exhibition opening tomorrow (Saturday 26 April 2025) at Stirling Castle.

A black and white photo of two people walking along the edge of a metal bridge. More of the bridge is visible behind them, with the water of the Firth of Forth below and land in the distance.

Railways have helped to shape Scotland’s history and the nation today, with 2025 marking the 200th anniversary of the modern railway. Using material from Historic Environment Scotland's archives and as part of Railway 200, the exhibition explores the history and impact of this groundbreaking means of transport.

Visitors can discover more about the railway’s construction, architecture and the connections they created, as well as their impact on industry and leisure.

Claire Whitbread, Exhibitions Manager at Historic Environment Scotland, said:

“The railway is a fascinating part of our heritage that has shaped Scotland’s landscape and continues to have an impact on how we live, forming connections across the nation and ushering in a new age of transport.

We’re thrilled to be commemorating the 200th anniversary of the railway with this brand-new exhibition that charts the challenges faced in Scotland, celebrates those who built it and explores the rise, decline and renewal of Scotland's railways

‘Smoke and Steel: the History of Scotland’s Railways’ is on at Stirling Castle from Saturday 26 April 2025 to Sunday 7 September 2025. Entry to the exhibition is included with admission to the site. Tickets can be booked in advance. Entry is free for Historic Scotland members.

About Historic Environment Scotland (HES) 

  • We are the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. It is at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future, investigating and recording architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes across Scotland and caring for more than 300 properties of national importance. We are also the lead on delivering Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.
  • Historic Scotland, Scran, Canmore, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, and Edinburgh Castle are sub-brands of HES.
  • View our press pack and keep up to date by registering to receive our media releases. Already registered? You can unsubscribe at any time by following the unsubscribe link, included in every email.

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For further information, please contact:

Laura Ely
Historic Environment Scotland Media Office
07881 512 379
communications@hes.scot

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