Culture Minister Michael Russell today launched 'Scotland: Building for the Future' a celebration of Scottish architecture traditions over the last 65 years, written and published by Historic Scotland.
Speaking at the Fruitmarket Gallery in Edinburgh, where he met with people who live and work in the buildings featured in the new book, the Minister also announced that Historic Scotland would be hosting a conference on architecture of this period at the Bonar Hall in Dundee on November 24.
The Minister said: “It is widely recognised that for centuries the Scots have stayed at the fore of architectural design and craftsmanship and that is as true of our modern buildings as our historic ones. In the post-war years our building styles and materials changed to reflect how our society and priorities had adapted, leaving us with a legacy of ambitious, functional and literally outstanding structures.
“People may disagree about which they personally find aesthetically pleasing, but – rather than detract from our built landscapes – that adds to the debate about what we want our architecture to demonstrate and what we can continue to learn and enjoy about the buildings surrounding us which is what Scotland: Building for the Future aims to encourage.”
He added: “We continue to have an excellent and enviable record of architecture in Scotland which makes for lively and informed debate about what should and can be done to protect buildings of calibre. In November, Historic Scotland will hold a conference on post-war architecture which will provide an excellent opportunity for those with strong views on the subject to discuss these issues face to face.”
Buildings featured in the book are from across Scotland with the Maggie Centre, Dundee; the National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh; Stirling University Principal’s house and Gala Fairydean Stadium.
Individual copies of the book cant be ordered from Historic Scotland on 0131 668 8600 or downloaded for free from www.historic-scotland.gov.uk, where there is also more information about the conference.
