The towns of Edinburgh and Glasgow were to receive the best in Neoclassical architecture, as steadily increasing industrial production called for more housing, warehouses and municipal buildings. In line with the rationality and order of the Enlightenment, symmetry and proportion in design came into stride with the English Classicism of Sir Christopher Wren and Inigo Jones. Edinburgh?s New Town, designed by James Craig in 1767, is characterized by wide, symmetrical streets and large tree-filled squares, with service lanes that follow the main axis of the roads. Amongst this sandstone glory lies Charlotte Square, the north side of which was designed by the renowned Classicist Robert Adam in 1791. The Venetian windows and restrained use of decoration create a unified facade, the main rooms clearly defined by angular stonework in comparison to the smooth sandstone of the other storeys. Compared with the medieval High Street that descends from the Castle, and the narrow lanes that run from it, these formal squares reflect a new approach to civilized urban living, allowing the upper classes to dwell in their own spacious areas away from the huddle of the Old Town. Adam was the shining light in a talented family of architects, who modified elegant Hopetoun House in Edinburgh around 1721?60. Set in an excellent position overlooking the Forth, this delicate and symmetrically designed building makes full use of triangular pediments and round-headed windows to recall the noble spirit of Classical times.

Concurrently, an interest in medieval architecture, encouraged by romantic fiction and the cult of the picturesque, led to Gothic Revivalism. Here, the pointed arch took over from the geometric rigours of Classicism. Inveraray Castle in Argyll, built between 1745 and 1761, is one of the first Georgian castles to recreate itself in this neo-Gothic style. Although the interior is inspired by Classicism, the exterior makes use of pointed arches and crenellated parapets, the conical roofs being a later addition. Another neo-Gothic building is Culzean Castle (1771?92), attractively situated on a clifftop south of Ayr and extensively remodelled by Robert Adam. He designed every detail, from the fine interior plasterwork, complete with swags and urns, to the castellated exterior with mock arrow slits, to give a romantically medieval touch to the dramatic setting.