WIREDGOV

Young architects to breathe new life into scenic views.

More of Scotland’s viewpoints are to be transformed into scenic tourist spots to capitalise on the country’s natural landscapes.

An additional £500,000 funding will now support the further roll-out of Scottish Scenic Routes pilot projects, including in the Cairngorms and on Scottish Canals sites on the A82, bringing the total investment from the Scottish Government for the project to £1 million.

The design of these new sites will be opened up to competitions for young architects and designers to exhibit their skills and creativity within our best landscapes.

The first stage of the scheme, announced in 2013 with the initial £500k funding, involved three locations within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park at Inveruglas, Falls of Falloch and Loch Lubnaig. The competition for young architects to design these sites attracted 90 entries.

Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead made the announcement at The Lighthouse in Glasgow, where the winning and shortlisted entries from the first projects are being exhibited.

Mr Lochhead said:

“Scotland’s breath-taking scenery is hugely admired across the world, and it is only right that we create as many opportunities as we can for people to experience it first-hand.

“Innovative viewpoints in areas of outstanding scenery will enhance the appreciation of Scotland’s landscapes and enrich journeys for both residents and visitors. It will also support rural economy and employment by creating additional interest and driving more people to the areas.

“Following the success of the first design competition it’s clear that we have some top architectural talent in Scotland and I hope the extension of this initiative will provide further opportunities for young architects to showcase their talents.

“I’m delighted to see the quality of the designs for the first pilot projects in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, building and capitalising on what is an already famously beautiful landscape.

Gordon Watson, Director of Operations for Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park:

“Our National Park has world-renowned landscapes that attract millions of visitors every year. These beautifully designed installations along our most iconic routes will encourage more visitors to enjoy the view and will help deliver a world-class visitor experience.

“The Scottish Scenic Routes Initiative aims to showcase innovative design from the best of young design talent in spectacular locations. We are proud to have been chosen to host these inaugural installations as the first stage of this forward-thinking national initiative.”

Duncan Bryden, Convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority said:

“The Cairngorms National Park has fantastic routes that run through some truly majestic landscapes which draw visitors from around the world. I am sure this will inspire some great designs. We are delighted to be involved in the next stage of this exciting initiative and look forward to creating new viewpoints designed by young, up and coming architects.”

Steve Dunlop, Chief Executive of Scottish Canals, said:

“Scotland offers some breath-taking scenery and we know from the experience of Scandinavia that creating new and innovative opportunities for visitors to stop off and enjoy the landscape can significantly benefit the nation’s tourist economy.

“The exhibition has already produced some fantastic designs and we can’t wait to see how the talented young architects showcase Scotland's stunning scenery in March. We also hope that this project, if successful, will lead to other hidden gems along our coasts, canals and glens becoming more accessible to locals and visitors in the years to come."

Notes to editors

The funding is part of the £205 million package of measures, allocated in the recent budget, to support jobs and growth in Scotland.

A book recording all the 90 entries to the first Scottish Scenic Routes design competition has been published http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2014/02/9446/downloads#res443696

The Scottish Scene Routes Initiative was first announced in June last year: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2013/06/tourism02062013

The idea of a Scottish Scenic Routes Initiative was inspired by the National Tourist Routes programme in Norway: http://www.nasjonaleturistveger.no/en

http://www.ads.org.uk/access/events/exhibition-scottish-scenic-routes