'Mousa to Mackintosh' published today

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.

We're the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. We are at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future. Across Scotland, we investigate and record architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes and care for more than 300 properties of national importance. HES is also working with sector partners to deliver Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.

Historic Scotland, trove.scot, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle and Stòr are sub-brands of HES.

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