Scotland has been at the forefront of innovation and design for hundreds of years – we have Scottish ingenuity to thank for many things, such as the tarmac on our roads, the tyres on our cars and the phones in our pockets – and in 2016 Scotland is celebrating the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design.

A tour of Scotland is memorable at any time of year and travellers from all over the world visit to experience the majestic landscape, spectacular heritage and fascinating culture. But there is another Scotland that is sometimes overlooked – a Scotland of ground-breaking invention and construction.

Glasgow School of Art © VisitScotland, all rights reserved

The chic Art Nouveau buildings of Charles Rennie Macintosh – one of the 20th Century’s most influential designers – which are concentrated in and around Glasgow, are not to be missed. The famous Glasgow School of Art, which was recently damaged by fire and is now well on its way towards restoration, is just one of his masterpieces and The Hill House, overlooking the River Clyde, is perhaps his finest domestic building. Macintosh is equally famous for his interior design, from textiles to furniture, and his stylish rose motif is ubiquitous these days.

The Kelpies in Falkirk © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam, all rights reserved

More recently, the Kelpies in Falkirk have become a must-see. The largest equine sculpture in the world, these two stainless steel horse heads designed by Scottish sculptor Andy Scott stand over 90 feet high, overlooking a new extension to the Forth and Clyde Canal. Equally impressive is the nearby Falkirk Wheel, a spectacular rotating boat lift which connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. 

The Forth Rail Bridge © Kenny Lam / Visit Scotland, all rights reserved

Stepping back in time, the Forth Rail Bridge near Edinburgh is a stunning example of Victorian engineering that was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. An iconic structure and symbol of Scotland, the bridge spans the Firth of Forth and was the longest single cantilever bridge in the world until the Quebec Bridge in Canada was completed in 1917. It continues to have the world's second-longest single cantilever span and is perhaps one of the most recognisable structures in Scotland.

The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016 aims to celebrate the richness of Scotland’s built heritage and environment, alongside the contemporary and cutting edge designs of today. From textiles and technology, to architecture, fashion and design, the year-long programme will shine the spotlight on Scotland’s greatest assets and icons, as well as some of its unique hidden gems.
 
“We’d urge visitors to Scotland to step off the main tourist routes in 2016 and explore the creativity and ingenuity that has marked the development of Scotland’s built environment,” says Janet Redler, Chief Executive of Janet Redler Travel and Tourism. “From landmark buildings and bridges to monumental modern sculptures, there is an exciting alternative Scottish tourist trail for visitors to explore.”

To find out more about the Scottish Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016 click here. If you would like Janet Redler Travel and Tourism to create a tailor made tour for you incorporating the best of Scotland’s architecture and design, contact us today.