New Lanark brought to fame by Robert Owen who transformed life with new ideas and opportunities. Child labour and corporal punishment were abolished and villagers were provided with decent homes, schools and evening classes, free health care, and affordable food. For the wildlife enthusiast the woodlands, open glades and pathways are haunts for foxes, roe deer, owls and sparrowhawks while along the Clyde there can be found herons, kingfishers and otters. Visit the Leadhills Mining Museum to learn all about the fledgling sciences of mineralogy and crystallography, or even pan for gold in the local streams. For the historian learn more of William Braveheart Wallace, from one of the museums in Biggar. The historic burgh of Lanark was the location of the first meeting of the Scots Parliament in 978. Today it is one of the most important towns in The Clyde Valley, and has a bustling market. Lanark Market is one of Scotlands largest farming markets.