Scottish Art, Architecture & Literature

Scottish ART

The earliest Scottish art consists of highly decorated Neolithic stone balls, many of which can be found on the Orkney Islands. Stunning metal-worked objects have been discovered from the Bronze and Iron Age and can be found in the National Museums of Scotland. As can beautiful embroidery for the 18th and 19th centuries. The Scottish National Galleries, in Edinburgh, house wonderful collections of great art from all over the world, but are also home to some great works by Scottish artists such as Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh and Sir Henry Raeburn.

Another great artist whose work can be found there is Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Prior to focusing on watercolours, Mackintosh had a short but impactful architectural career. He had a considerable influence on European architecture and mixed elements of the Scots baronial, Arts and Crafts Movement and the Art Nouveau to produce elegant modern buildings.

SCOTTISH ARCHITECTURE

In the 18th century, one name stands out when it comes to Scottish architecture; William Adams. He designed and built a number of beautiful country houses and public buildings, including Hopetoun House near Edinburgh, and Duff House in Banff. His sons John, James and Robert followed in their fathers footsteps, designing numerous buildings throughout the UK.

John Baird's designs from the 1800s can be seen throughout Glasgow today, and a stroll through Edinburgh will allow you to spot wonderful buildings such as the Dome designed by David Rhind, and the City Observatory on Calton Hill, designed by William Henry Playfair, who also created that Royal, Carlton, and Regent Terraces.

SCOTTISH LITERATURE

Renowned Scottish novels include classics such as Treasure Island and Waverley, and more modern works such as The Wasp Factory and Trainspotting. And the poetry of Robert Burns is known the world over, probably most famously for Auld Lang Syne.

Edinburgh is the heart of Scotlands literary tradition, was the first UNESCO City of Literature and hosts the worlds largest book festival each August. Be sure to make a trip to it’s Writers’ Museum which encapsulates the lives of three important figures in Scottish Literature – Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Other spots worth a visit include the Scott Monument, Scott’s ancestral home in Abbotsford, the Robert Burns museum in Alloway and Wigtown which has been designated Scotland's National Book Town.

Whether you are most enthusiastic about Scotland’s Art, Architecture or Literary, or want to explore all three, contact us today to being creating your perfect tour of Scotland.