Scottish architecture is known for it having a strong, dramatic and a ‘medieval’ vibe. It could be compared with London’s architecture as they both have a historic and royal ambiance. Personally, I love these types of buildings and I want to visit Scotland a lot. Scotland’s architecture is deeply connected to its landscape which has stones, castles, misty hills, and rugged coastlines. The centuries of history also influenced how the buildings have developed throughout the years.
During the 1100s, many wealthy families lived in tower houses which were smaller secured homes rather than massive castles. These were great for strong defense and served as a safe home. People often imagine buildings from this period when it comes to Scottish architecture. These often had thick stone walls, tall towers, courtyards, small windows -great for defense- and narrow spiral staircases that gives them the royal vibe. The Eilean Donan Castle and Craigmillar Castle are some famous examples for the medieval Scotland era.
Scotland’s most recognizable architectural style is the Scottish Baronial Style (1500s-1800s) that become especially popular during the Victorian Era. At that time, romantic castles instead of defensive castles were taking the lead. Here, aesthetics were dominant as Scottish Architects were inspired by medieval designs. Stone façades, asymmetrical shapes, decorative chimneys, conical roofs and crow-stepped gables were widely seen among these castles. The most famous example for the baronial style is the Balmoral Castle.
In the 1700s, Edinburgh started getting overly crowded and architects designed the New Town that had perfectly straight streets, symmetrical façades, sandstone buildings and large windows. This is the time the elegant classical architecture started to appear in Scotland. The Georgian House in Edinburgh could be shown as an example for this elegant classical style seen in Scotland. It feels very ordered and balanced compared with medieval Edinburgh.
Despite being over 100 years old, modern architecture started to be seen in Scotland. Charles Rennie Mackintosh combined geometry, nature, minimal decoration, Art Nouveau, Japanese influences and created buildings that looked surprisingly modern for that time. His buildings emphasize light, clean lines, carefully designed furniture and strong proportions. The Hill House is a great example for these. modern buildings. However, in my opinion, the Medieval Scottish style is far more iconic and aesthetically pleasing compared to modern buildings. The way the stones were carved and placed, the color palette, and the bold shapes of the buildings blend harmoniously with Scotland’s nature. I believe our world needs more of these iconic structures and a break from technology.
Overall I think Scotland has one of the most eye-catching architecture in the world. My personal favorite is the Greyfriars Kirkyard. It is one of the most atmospheric places in Edinburgh. Its weathered stone monuments, Gothic details, and ancient trees create a timeless medieval setting. Every path feels rich with history and character. It perfectly captures the dark academia aesthetic that defines much of Edinburgh’s Old Town. It is a place I hope to go in this lifetime.
