A new book has been published by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) today (Thursday 29 June) presenting an expansive view of architecture in Scotland. Frank Arneil Walker, an architect and architectural historian, examines the recognisable and recurring features evident in Scotland’s buildings across the centuries to build a picture of ‘Scottishness’ in architecture.
Mousa to Mackintosh is a chronological history of Scottish architecture, from Neolithic brochs and classical country houses to baronial tower-houses and modernist New Towns. The book includes the work of renowned architects such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Robert Adam, Basil Spence, and Robert Lorimer.
This expertly researched text provides insight into the recurring qualities of Scottish architecture, from prehistory to the building of the Scottish Parliament. It is supported by a stunning selection of photography, including extensive material from the HES archive.
Ranald MacInnes, Head of Outreach and Learning at HES, said:
“We are thrilled to publish this outstanding piece of work by the distinguished architectural historian Professor Frank Arneil Walker.
Mousa to Mackintosh will appeal to new readers as well as those already immersed in Scottish architecture. Drawing a throughline from our unique Scottish brochs to the works of famous architects like Mackintosh is no small feat, but Walker guides the reader with ease and expertise.
“What makes our houses, monuments, and public buildings uniquely Scottish? Walker deftly manoeuvres the relationship between national characteristics and international influences to explore this question in depth, all the while taking the reader on a fascinating journey.”
Mousa to Mackintosh: The Scottishness of Scottish Architecture by Frank Arneil Walker is now available to buy online and in all good bookstores. RRP £30. Frank Arneil Walker and Ranald MacInnes will be speaking at the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) bookshop in Edinburgh at 6pm on Wednesday 12 July.
Review copies available on request.
About Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
- We are the lead public body charged with caring for, protecting, and promoting the historic environment. We will lead on delivering Scotland’s first strategy for the historic environment, Our Place in Time.
- Historic Scotland, Scran, Canmore, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, and Edinburgh Castle are sub-brands of HES.
- View our press pack and keep up to date by registering for media release email alerts. If you wish to unsubscribe, please contact us.
Follow Historic Environment Scotland
Twitter: @HistEnvScot | @welovehistory
Facebook: @HistoricEnvScotland | @VisitHistoricScotland
Instagram: @HistEnvScot | @historicscotland
For further information, please contact:
Robin Kepple
Historic Environment Scotland Media Office
07721 959 962
communications@hes.scot