Undiscovered Scotland

 

Published by Rutland Press, the "Illustrated Architectural Guides" produced by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) together form a truly magnificent undertaking. The first of these handy books was published in 1982 and the series has been growing ever since as gaps are filled in the coverage of Scotland. Taking a particular area of the country, each book describes, settlement by settlement, all the architecturally significant buildings: many of which are also illustrated with black and white photographs. This is combined with maps of the areas covered locating the key buildings mentioned; a number of colour photographs; small plans of a number of buildings of particular interest; some town plans; notes on points of historical interest; and a pictorial glossary of architectural terms.

The result is a series of books that are absolutely essential for anyone with an interest in Scotland and its buildings; a series of books that are comprehensive enough to give you the background you want on just about any interesting building you see; and a series of books that are a fascinating and enjoyable read.

Aberdeenshire, Donside and Strathbogie appeared in 2006 and is effectively the second edition of the book first published in 1994 under the title Gordon. It covers a large chunk of mid-Aberdeenshire stretching from the coast at Newburgh and Ellon inland into upper Strathdon. Aberdeen and other parts of Aberdeenshire are not covered here. They are the subject of three other books in the series: Aberdeen; Deeside & the Mearns; and Banff & Buchan.