Continued evolution is the essence of urban life. Conservation
is a matter of ensuring that the qualities that define a place
are maintained while change continues to happen. In some places
change needs to be promoted. Regeneration may be necessary where
economic change has left a residual built environment that needs
to be adapted to new purposes. Inclusion of historic buildings
in a regeneration project provides a catalyst for change,
setting standards for creative and sustainable design. See links
in left margin to sites that are or may become such catalysts.
Scotland is highly urbanised. Many towns owe their origin to
burgh status granted by David I in the 12th century; and others
to a wave of improvement and planned settlement in the 18th
century. Massive transformation in the 19th century saw
Scotland’s cities and industrial towns grow exponentially. Much
of the built fabric of towns and villages dates from this
period. Densities within towns and cities are higher in Scotland
than in England, thanks to