Scotland’s Best Building Choice Leads to Elitist Outcry –

A Clash of Ideas and Taste

The Scots are a practical minded bunch and when they were asked to name their favourite Scotttish building of the last hundred years they put a few posh noses out of joint.  On the short list of 400 buildings there were crackers like the former ballroom and Grade A Listed Rothesay on the Isle of Bute, the Dundee Contemporary Arts centre, the Scottish Parliament, and the National Museum of Scotland, both in Edinburgh. However, the winner is a shopping mall in Glasgow. Ha! I say!

Crass! No Way Jose

Princes Square which is in the centre of the city has been voted the country’s favourite modern structure, knocking the other very worthy buildings into the usual cocked hat. An outcome that has led to an outcry from some of the more precious architectural practitioners ‘yah booing’ the result. Some experts described the choice as “undeserving” and “crass” while one critic was told “he should get out more”.

A Raft of Awards

Princes Square sits in a Victorian building on Buchanan Street and it was redeveloped in 1987, winning a slew of awards at the time. The US travel writer Bill Bryson said it was “one of the most intelligent pieces of urban renewal”. It seems the Scottish public agree with the estimable Mr Bryson. On architect repeated his claim saying: “It is a poor show for people to do down the general public. Perhaps (the critic) ought to get out more.”

You Don’t Have to get Out More

No of course if you want to brave the crowds you can go and agree or disagree with the great Scottish public and have a look at Princes Square again, but in the wild, wet and occasionally treacherous weather leading up to Christmas why not sit at home with a crumb or two of shortbread or a tea cake and surf the net for presents. Remember we will gift wrap it for you and deliver free on orders over £50. That deserves a people’s award.

 

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