Heriot-Watt College building in Chambers Street, Edinburgh, black and white

Our heritage

Heriot-Watt University is a product of the Scottish Enlightenment. A pioneer in bringing education to working people in 1821 and founder of a global movement through the creation of the world's first Mechanics Institute. This is our story.

The story of Heriot-Watt

Since our foundation in 1821, we have been outward looking pioneers of education in pursuit of knowledge to benefit the society and the world.