Scottish Castles Association

Richard Oram

The 'Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016' was set up to shine the spotlight on some of Scotland's greatest assets and icons. To determine which buildings most typify the Scottish genius a panel of experts were invited to make their cases at a debate hosted by the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

Dr Tanja Romankiewicz, of the Leverhulme Trust, championed the prehistoric period forwarding Rhiroy Broch, Highlands and Skara Brae, Orkney as her personal choices.

John Lowrey, Senior Lecturer in Architectural History at Edinburgh University, promoted modern architecture such as the Royal High School, Edinburgh and Cumbernauld Town Centre (in spite of the latter being dubbed twice 'Scotland's most dismal town').

But when the decision was handed to the audience it was Professor Richard Oram of Stirling University - and President of the Scottish Castles Association - that took the accolade with his praise of Scotland's medieval heritage with such buildings as Dunfermline Abbey, Fife; Threave Castle, Dumfriesshire and Linlithgow Palace, West Lothian given his personal endorsement.

Threave Castle in Kirkcudbright

LEFT: Linlithgow Palace RIGHT: Dunfermline Abbey

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland said: "I'm sure it has inspired those who attended to go out and enjoy even more of Scotland's outstanding built heritage."

Find out more

Visit the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016 website by clicking here.

Search for events, debates and more in your area at the 2016 Festival of Architecture website - click here.

Article by SCA member Brian McGarrigle.