Historic Scotland launches free exhibition and booklet

From castles, cottages and kirks to mills and memorials – Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park has a wealth of wonderful historic buildings.

A new exhibition and booklet have been created by Historic Scotland to celebrate the best of the park’s architectural heritage.

This follows resurvey in which a team of listing inspectors visited thousands of buildings and structures in 11 parishes and one burgh.

Their aim was to create up-to-date records of the most interesting and important of these places.

The resurvey of the national park area took place to ensure these important parts of Scotland’s heritage are listed – legally protecting them from unwelcome change so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.

The exhibition looks at how a series of important historical influences, from early Christian missionaries to Victorian holidaymakers, have made an enduring impression on the landscape.

Deborah Mays, head of listing, said:
“The resurvey was a really worthwhile project and we now have a detailed record of the historic buildings in the park area.

“As the inspectors carried out the resurvey they met lots of wonderful owners who care deeply for the cottages they live in, or the schools, shops and other places where they work.

“The booklet and exhibition are a way to celebrate the area’s architectural heritage and thank the people of the national park area for their support and interest.

“The exhibition explores how Loch Lomond and the Trossachs have been shaped by historic forces as varied as agriculture, religion and the arrival of railways and steamboats.

“It will also be a great way for visitors to discover more about this very special part of Scotland.”

Gordon Watson, Director of Planning, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority said:
"This booklet and exhibition is a fitting culmination of an intensive period of work to reappraise the rich architectural heritage of the National Park. These important historic buildings are a source strong local pride and identity as well as a great attraction to visitors. I'd like to thank the Historic Scotland staff for their efforts and collaborative approach with the Park Authority planners in undertaking the resurvey which provides us with a rich source of information helping ensure these buildings are properly looked after for future generations."

Historic Scotland’s exhibition is free to visit and will tour the park area in September and October.

The booklet will be available to download from the Historic Scotland website from 1st September 2007.

• The first venue for the exhibition will be the National Park Centre, 52-54 High Street, Callander where it will be from 1st-15th September: Monday to Friday 9.30-12.30 & 1.00-4.30 and Saturday from 9.30-12.30.
• It will then move to the National Park Gateway Centre, Balloch from 19th September to 21st October: daily from 10-6 pm.
• The booklet A Selection of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Architectural Heritage about the park’s architecture will be available from 1st September 2007.
• Copies will be sent on request or can be downloaded from our website at www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/historicbuildings from 1st September 2007.
• The resurvey was carried out at the request of the park authority.
• As a result of the resurvey a further 174 listings were made taking the total in the park area to 560.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Exhibition Details