Scotland The Brave?

Scotland The Brave? - Twenty Years of Change and the Future of the Nation

Published 15 July 2019
Gerry Hassan & Simon Barrow
Luath Press Ltd

Chapter co-written with Jude Barber

Scotland The Brave? explores and records ways that Scotland has changed and developed since the creation of a devolved Scottish Parliament in 1999. Bringing together the analysis and perspectives of public figures, established experts and newer commentators from a wide range of backgrounds, the book waves through different areas of social, political, economic, environmental, cultural and secular / religious life.

Jude Barber and I were asked to co-write a chapter of the book, reflecting on how architecture and design have faired in the devolution-era under successive Scottish Governments and within our wider society at large.

Excerpt -

‘The establishment of the Scottish Parliament and the transfer of legislative power was an opportunity for specific focus to be placed on architecture and design in tandem with the enhanced remit on housing and planning previously under the remit of the Scottish Office. The excitement and potential for new possibilities primarily coalesced around the new Policy On Architecture For Scotland published by the Scottish Executive on October 5th 2001. The publication of the Policy really felt like a watershed moment, where well-designed buildings and places would become the norm, with quality and the common good embedded within our civic life and public realm. Devolution created a time of such energy and optimism - a moment of decisive change and momentum for Scotland. Or so it felt. ‘

Image: Scotland The Brave? cover by Ross Sinclair

Image: Scotland The Brave? book, cover photo by Robb Mcrae

Image: Scotland The Brave? Chapter 27, photo by Robb Mcrae