Scottish Architecture

Posted by Hunter Dunning on 28th November 2019 -

In light of St.Andrews day coming up we thought it would be appropriate to share Scotlands top architectural attractions with you.

Saint Andrew’s Day is the feast day of Saint Andrew and is a bank holiday celebrated on the 30^th of November each year.

Scotland is a prime location for unique built heritage and architecture, with Castles, Victorian and Georgian homes, as well as beautiful contemporary designs. See below the top must see attractions to visit according to Visit Scotland.com.

1.EDINBURGH CASTLE – CITY OF EDINBURGH

Edinburgh Castle is a world famous icon of Scotland and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site.

This most famous of Scottish castles has a complex building history. The oldest part, St Margaret’s Chapel, dates from the 12th century; the Great Hall was erected by James IV around 1510; the Half Moon Battery by the Regent Morton in the late 16th century; and the Scottish National War Memorial after the First World War.

2.THE BRIG O’DOON, ALLOWAY

This 15th century cobbled bridge in Alloway is the only one on this list that is famed for its appearance in poetry. The Brig o’doon saved Tam o’Shanter in Robert Burns’ poem of the same name. The witches from Alloway Auld Kirk were pursuing Tam when he crossed the bridge on horseback but the witches were unable to cross the water, and only managed to rip off the poor horse’s tail.

Wee fact: You might also recognise the Brig o’Doon from some Scottish £5 notes, and the bridge also lends its name to the musical and 1954 film Brigadoon.

3.FORTH BRIDGE, FIRTH OF FORTH – EDINBURGH

The Forth Bridge is recognised worldwide as an impressive feat of engineering. At 2.5 kilometres long it was the world’s longest cantilever bridge when it was built, today it is outranked only by Canada’s Quebec Bridge. It opened in 1890 and was designed by Sir John Fowler and Sir Benjamin Baker. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was recently chosen as ‘Scotland’s greatest manmade wonder’.

For the last 125 years the Forth Bridge has spanned the Firth of Forth, connecting Fife with Edinburgh. Comprised of 53,000 tonnes of mild steel – including ten times the amount used to build the Eiffel Tower – this immense red structure with its triple diamond-shaped cantilevers is an indelible part of the east coast skyline.

Wee fact: Although once famous for being repainted endlessly, its current topcoat should last until at least 2031.

4.RIVERSIDE MUSEUM – GLASGOW

Designed by iconic Architect Zaha Hadid, Riverside Museum is Glasgow’s award-winning transport museum. With over 3,000 objects on display there’s everything from skateboards to locomotives, paintings to prams and cars to a Stormtrooper. The Riverside is a multi-award winning museum located on the banks of the River Clyde, with over 3000 objects on display from Glasgow’s rich past.

5. NEW LANARK VISITOR CENTRE – SOUTH LANARKSHIRE

The award-winning New Lanark Visitor Centre tells the fascinating story of the cotton mill village of New Lanark which was founded in the 18th century. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, New Lanark has been beautifully restored as a living community, which welcomes visitors from all over the world.

New Lanark is the gateway to the famous Falls of Clyde where you will find the Scottish Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre, woodland walks through breathtaking scenery, stunning waterfalls and the Clyde Walkway.

JOBS IN SCOTLAND

• Sales Advisor – Retirement Living – Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire
• Revit Technician – Edinburgh
• Architectural Technician – Aberdeen, Scotland

Want to submit your own favourite Scottish spots? Likewise if you have written an article that you would like to feature on our blog, email [email protected].

https://www.hunterdunning.co.uk/