Young architects to highlight beauty of our landscape

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david ross Highland Correspondent

Now a group of architects has been recruited to help persuade visitors and locals alike to take time to get out of their vehicles to take in the panorama before them.

The profession has not always been associated with improving Scotland's scenery, but "the cream of young Scottish architects" are crucial to Scottish Scenic Routes.

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The 1.5 million, three-year Scottish Government initiative aims to make the most of spectacular views on main tourist routes.

The aim is to encourage people to break their journey, enjoy a new perspective on a well-loved view, and boost the economy. The route round Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is the first to be launched.

The pilot project takes in the three viewpoints which were designed by the young architects in a nationwide design competition, attracting more than 100 entries. A fourth viewpoint is to follow later this year.

One lies off the A82 south of Crianlarich. A woven tunnel of steel rods at the Falls of Falloch, leads the visitor down a walkway "dappled with light".

On the final turn it widens to reveal a dramatic framed view of the waterfall from on high. The roar of the water, captured by the open mouth of "Woven Sound", inspired Dorothy Wordsworth, sister of the Romantic poet William, to write the lines that are etched on the viewing platform. Meanwhile, a journey down the single track road off the A84 south of Lochearnhead leads to "Lookout" in Balquhidder glen. The mirrored cabin sits on a narrow strip of land between Loch Voil and Loch Doine, reflecting and framing the water, mountains and glens.

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Young architects to highlight beauty of our landscape