Architecture in Scotland has been an integral part of Scottish history since its earliest days. From the soaring Gothic mansions of the sixteenth century to the contemporary modern architecture of Edinburgh, Scotland has always been known for its beauty and grandeur. The architecture of the country is rich in history, and it is also a wonderful source of inspiration for architects of all styles and interests.

architecture in Scotland

Medieval vernacular

Medieval vernacular architecture in Scotland relied on local materials, building techniques and styles. While it is possible to date the earliest houses in Scotland to the ninth century, the majority of extant buildings are from the thirteenth or fourteenth centuries.

Buildings in the Middle Ages were constructed largely using earthen materials, in conjunction with other materials, such as stone. Many ecclesiastical and military constructions were built in the middle ages, with some of the earliest examples dating back to the Iron Age.

The late medieval period is characterised by more elaborate ecclesiastical constructions, a trend which began in the eighth century. Some churches were constructed in the Romanesque and Gothic style. Churches were usually constructed with high curtain walls.

Burghs were usually surrounded by palisades and were granted legal privileges by the Crown. Their high streets were widened, and often a mercat cross was erected. There were also castles.

Gothic

Gothic architecture in Scotland is a revival of the architectural style developed during the Middle Ages. Its main characteristics are a framework of columns, ribbed vaulting, and a large number of windows. In its later phases, the use of naive curvilinear tracery, open spires, and stone slabbed roofing was developed.

Churches in Scotland were built to serve as a place of contemplation and to spread the word of God. The interiors were often elaborate before the Reformation. Some of these churches used stone, while others added wooden steeples.

Cathedrals in Scotland are one of the best-preserved examples of Gothic architecture in the country. Their high roofs allow for better lighting of the interiors. They also reflect the power of the kings and bishops.

Early and middle bronze age

The Early and middle Bronze Age in Britain was characterized by a proliferation of metalworking. Copper and bronze were used in both the production and use of weapons and tools. Metalworking influenced Britain from around 2500BC onwards, and is believed to have had a significant impact on British society.

The Early Bronze Age is known for its production of beaker pottery. It also saw the construction of large, monumental stone structures. Chambered tombs were a prominent feature of the early Bronze Age, and continued into the Iron Age. Often they were reused and enlarged as well as containing animal remains and deposits of pottery.

A large cemetery at the Orkney Settlement is the first record of non-local populations in Orkney. These migrants derived in part from pastoralist peoples of the Pontic-Caspian steppe. Their presence is supported by ancient DNA analysis.

Late nineteenth and early twentieth century

The late nineteenth and early twentieth century saw many significant architectural achievements. Among them were the development of new towns in Scotland to replace older ones and the building of many public buildings. These were often built in local materials.

Scottish architects of the time also played an important role in the modernism movement. James Stirling was a key figure in the development of modernist architecture in Scotland. In the late twentieth century, the emphasis in public buildings changed to utilitarian architecture. This was in part due to the influx of aristocrats and middle classes.

A number of architectural landmarks in Edinburgh are a good example. They include St Andrews House, which was designed in 1938 for the Empire Exhibition, Scotland. Similarly, the Palace of Westminster, which was built in the mid-nineteenth century, is one of the most notable Gothic Revival buildings in Britain.

Post-industrial decline

As a result of industrialisation and urbanisation, Scotland became a new economic and architectural landscape. The changes in Scottish architecture were due to the transformations in industry, the rise of new techniques and the emergence of a new scale of building.

During the twentieth century, a number of architects contributed to Scotland’s architecture. William Chambers, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, James Stirling and Alexander “Greek” Thomson were key. They produced elegant modern buildings, and combined elements of the Arts and Crafts Movement and Scots baronial styles.

A number of factors contributed to the post-industrial decline in Scotland, including the failure of government policymakers to create an adequate economic base. In addition, the introduction of brutalism led to the use of tower blocks, urban clearances, and urban sprawl.