Architecture

The Forth Rail Bridge at sunset

From crofts to castles, the Victorian grand residence to the 'new towns', Scotland has a rich legacy of strong, unique buildings. Stonework predominates, from the long, low crofthouses of the Western Isles to the soft red sandstone that fills the streets of Glasgow. Surrounding countries have also had a substantial influence: some settlements in Orkney and Shetland evoke links with the Norse kingdoms, while the ruined church architecture of the Central Belt and Borders is testimony to a long history of battles with the marauding English.

  • Prehistoric times to the 13th century

    The earliest days of Scottish architecture, from prehistoric Skara Brae to Norman Dunfermline Abbey.

  • The introduction of Gothic

    The age of great Gothic abbeys in the Borders and Norman cathedrals built to impress the locals.

  • Early castles

    Scottish castles weren't really so romantic, but centres of administration and justice, and sanctuary from conflict.

  • The 14th and 15th centuries

    An age of destruction that still saw the building of Tantallon Castle, Roslyn Chapel and Melrose Abbey.

  • The 18th century

    An architectural explosion in the industrial age, and a whole new town for Edinburgh.

  • The 19th century

    Some grand architecture - such as the Forth Railway Bridge - reflected Scotland's prosperity in the new industrial world.

  • The 20th Century

    Out with the Victorians, in with Art Nouveau, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and some of the nation's favourite buildings.

  • Contemporary Architecture

    From Glasgow's year of culture to the controversial Scottish parliament: the state of architecture in Scotland today.


 


 
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