A YEAR of celebrations will take place to mark the 200th anniversary of the death of Greenock’s most famous son, James Watt.

Heritage chiefs are going 'full steam ahead' to honour the famed Scottish inventor, who is remembered with a statue in Greenock, pictured.

His refined steam engine paved the way for the industrial revolution which transformed the world and the unit of power, the watt, was named after him.

This month marks the 250th anniversary of the patent of James Watt’s separate condenser – the invention which radically improved steam engines and changed the world.

August will be the 200th anniversary of the great man's death.

A series of events are now planned across the country to honour him, which includes the re-opening of the McLean Museum and the Watt Library.

It will be renamed The Watt Institution and is expected to be unveiled this summer after a major refurbishment programme.

Miles Oglethorpe, head of industrial heritage at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), said: “It looks like 2019 is going to be a great year.

“Partners are working on lots of activities to celebrate Watt and his achievements.

"As dates are confirmed, we’ll publicise these.

"We’ve also been highlighting places with Watt connections for people to visit.

"Hopefully, our efforts will make people more aware of this great Scot and his amazing contributions that changed the world.”

Some of the other events planned include a special focus on Watt at the Glasgow Science Festival and exhibitions at Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh, the Engine Shed centre in Stirling and the Riverside Museum in Glasgow.

Dr Oglethorpe added: “Our aim is to ensure that, as 2019 unfolds, Watt events across the UK and beyond can be shared with as wide an audience as possible.”

A new website – www.jameswatt.scot – has also been launched to promote forthcoming events and highlight Watt’s ongoing significance.