Medieval architecture tops Scotland’s best list

Medieval architectural design such as that used at Threave Castle in Dumfries and Galloway has been voted the most innovative in Scottish history.

As part of the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016, a host of locations went head-to-head at the National Museum of Scotland to determine a victor.

Each of the prehistoric, medieval and modern eras were represented by three experts before an audience vote.

Prehistoric architecture was represented by Dr Tanja Romankiewicz, a Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellow in Archaeology at the University of Edinburgh, who selected the Rhiroy Broch in the Highlands and Orkney’s Skara Brae.

Medieval architecture was promoted by Prof. Richard Oram, professor of Environmental and Medieval History at the University of Stirling, who used Threave Castle and Linlithgow Palace while John Lowrey, senior lecturer in Architectural History at University of Edinburgh, fought for modern architecture with buildings such as Edinburgh’s Royal High School and Cumbernauld Town Centre.

Malcom Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, said: “From textiles to technology, architecture to fashion and design, the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016 aims to shine the spotlight on our greatest assets and icons.”

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