‘Best place in Scotland’ shortlist unveiled

Dundee Waterfront, the Raploch in Stirling and Edinburgh’s Royal Mile are just some of the places in the running to be named one of the best places in Scotland.

The competition is organised by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Scotland as part of their centenary celebrations, and is designed to identify the top places that have been built, enhanced or protected by planners and the planning system within Scotland since 1914.

Cath Ranson, president of the RTPI, said: “We’d like everyone to vote for their favourite place from this impressive and diverse shortlist.

“We hope that in doing so, people talk to their friends and relatives about what they value most about each of the places, and that the discussion provokes debate about the positive and persuasive role planners have in creating great places.”

Crown Street in the Gorbals, East Kilbride New Town, the Forth and ClydeCanal and the West Highland Way were also among those to make the shortlist.

Fifty-five suggestions had been received by the deadline and these were used to help a special advisory panel to agree a top ten. Voting is now open and the result will be announced in June.

Derek Mackay, Minister for Local Government and Planning, said: “The planning system has already helped to create many great places for people across Scotland and I am keen to ensure that it continues to provide high quality development in the future. Scotland’s best places can help to showcase the good work that has been done already and stimulate a new generation of inspirational places across Scotland.”