Page "History of Scotland" Paragraph 107

Britain was the world leader in the construction of railways, and their use to expand trade and coal supplies.

The first successful locomotive-powered line in Scotland, between Monkland and Kirkintilloch, opened in 1831.

Not only was good passenger service established by the late 1840s, but an excellent network of freight lines reduce the cost of shipping coal, and made products manufactured in Scotland competitive throughout Britain.

For example, railways opened the London market to Scottish beef and milk.

They enabled the Aberdeen Angus to become a cattle breed of worldwide reputation.

By 1900 Scotland had 3500 miles of railway ; their main economic contribution was moving supplies in and product out for heavy industry, especially coal-mining.