Enjoy Scotland’s amazing architecture

Explore Scotland’s incredible range of architecture through the ages. From the beautifully preserved Neolithic Skara Brae on Orkney to the hundreds of castles, both inhabited and in a state of ruin, and the cutting edge contemporary structures of modern day Scotland.

You’ll be surprised by one of the country’s most unique buildings, simply known as The Pineapple, due to the elaborately carved fruit which adorns the two-storey summerhouse, built for the 4th Earl of Dunsmore in 1761. Come and explore the surrounding grounds of this National Trust for Scotland-owned building which lies one mile west of Airth, Falkirk, or even rent one of the nearby holiday apartments?

The north east city of Aberdeen is known as the Granite City due to the prevalence of granite-constructed buildings. This includes the stunning Marischal College and Museum part of which was recently transformed into the headquarters for the local city council. Did you know it is the second largest granite building in the world, following its extension in the early 20th century?

 

Two of Scotland’s most popular and iconic castles can be found in Edinburgh and Stirling. Both were built on extinct volcanoes and have rich historical connections. While visiting Edinburgh Castle, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marvel at the Crown Jewels, the oldest royal regalia in the UK. Or why not take a moment to reflect at the tiny St Margaret’s Chapel, built around 1130, and the oldest building in Edinburgh.

 

Take a tour of the imposing Scottish Parliament Building which opened its doors in 2004 and is situated at the bottom of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile.

 

Through in Glasgow, enjoy a visit to The Lighthouse, where Scotland’s first national centre dedicated to architecture and design promises to be inspirational. The building was transformed from a derelict newspaper office, and was designed by leading light in Glasgow’s architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1895.

 

Enjoy Scotland’s diverse architecture and discover the stories that go with these iconic buildings during 2012, the Year of Creative Scotland.

 

• Skara Brae

  Orkney

  Make sure you pop into the visitor centre to see the touchscreen presentations and artefacts discovered during archaeological excavations in the 1970s.

  59.0490342 -3.3399376

• The Pineapple

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  The building is located one mile west of Airth and seven miles east of Stirling.

  56.075895 -3.788192

• Marischal College and Museum

  Aberdeen City & Shire

  Headquarters of Aberdeen City Council

  57.149741 -2.096239

• Edinburgh Castle

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  See one of the world's oldest canons at Edinburgh Castle at over 550 years old, Mons Meg.

  55.948627 -3.200336

• Scottish Parliament Building

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  The distinctive design of the office windows of MSPs is said to have been inspired by Henry Raeburn's iconic painting of The Skating Minister.

  55.95256380602793 -3.1746840476989746

• The Lighthouse

  Glasgow & The Clyde Valley

  Discover this centre for architecture and design and climb the helical staircase for fantastic views over the city.

  55.8600437 -4.2552669