Telford: Father of Modern Engineering, National Gallery Complex, Edinburgh

An overview of the career of one of the UK's greatest-ever engineers is currently showing at Edinburgh's National Gallery Complex.

Telford: Father of Modern Engineering marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Telford whose pioneering work was instrumental in Britain's move to industrialisation.

The son of a Dumfriesshire shepherd, Telford's reputation is founded on such epochal works as the Caledonian Canal and the Menai Suspension Bridge - at the time the longest span bridge in the world.

He was also involved a multitude of other transport projects which opened up the Highlands to the new economies.

The show tells his story through drawings, photographs, models and scientific instruments, which have been assembled in part from loans from the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Telford: Father of Modern Engineering runs until November 25th.

Address: National Gallery Complex, Belford Rd, Edinburgh, EH4 3DR.

Other shows currently on display at the National Gallery include Back to the Future - a look at the work of the architect Basil Spence and a retrospective of artist Joan Eardley.

National Express runs bus and coach travel services to Edinburgh from major towns and cities across the UK. To go by National Express coach, please use our journey planner for coach travel times and cheap ticket options.

See what else is on

• Joan Eardley, National Gallery Complex, Edinburgh
• Roy Chubby Brown, Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre
• Picasso exhibitions, Edinburgh
• Back to the Future: Sir Basil Spence 1907-1976
• Pirates of Penzance, Theatre Royal, Brighton
• Brighton Live festival
• Adam Hills, Brighton Dome
• Real Deal Comedy Jam, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham