Architecture
Although architecture in south west Scotland has never had a
defining tradition, it has always had to put up with the same wet
climate and the same geology which has meant that buildings, for
the most part, have been built from stone. With special note are
the many large buildings such as churches and town halls
constructed from red or blonde sandstone. Perhaps the buildings
that people are most familiar with are the abundant and picturesque
castles which were built in the area from the 14th to the 17th
century. The region has however had a varied history and changing
religious traditions, imperialism, industrial growth and urban
development have all left their mark on the architectural landscape
of the south west.