This document summarizes the history of small towns in Scotland and current demographic trends. It discusses how small towns emerged and developed from the 12th to 20th centuries, influenced by events like the industrial revolution. Royal charters granted trading monopolies and burgh status shaped settlements. Current trends show Scotland's population is stable but aging, with fewer children and smaller families. Migration patterns have changed, with population shifting internally from rural to northeast areas. Future challenges include an older population and declining workforce.

1. An Comann
50 Small Towns in
Scotland
Architecture+DesignScotland
Ailtearachd is Dealbhadh na h-Alba
ISBN 978-0-947649-70-8

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an comann
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fifty small towns in scotland
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by laura hart + joanna hooi
an comann in scots gaelic means ‘in society, a collection, group or bringing together’
preface
Small towns are an important part in the urban fabric of Scotland. This document
de-constructs 50 case studies over a 150 year period. Using figure ground
illustrations it provides a graphical record of their physical development to
reveal patterns of growth. This is accompanied by background research looking at
siginificant historic events and trends. Current socio economic statistics are used
to establish a broad picture of each town today, to illustrate how the past has
impacted on the present performance of each settlement.
The purpose of this study is to identify key factors that have led to past failure or
success. These towns are categorised selected and grouped to show a correlation
between typology and performance. The town types included are; market,
industrial, planned, coastal, commuter and tourist. There seems to be a link
between historical type and the current success of the settlements. This
connection is shown visually through the town’s figure ground.
This study seems to show that across the case studies a crucial factor in the
development of our towns is function. The demise of industrial towns which after
the loss of their main employer have struggled to adjust to the 21st century.
Conversely, those towns that have adapted to suit modern lifestyles appear to be
thriving.
Above all, this study illustrates that important trends of the past can provide the
foundation to steer future development whilst respecting the integrity of our
towns.
The copyright of this thesis belongs to the author under the terms of the United Kingdom Copyright Acts
as qualified by University of Strathclyde Regulation 3.49. Due acknowledgement must always be made of
the use of any material contained in, or derived from, this document.
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3. Introduction
contents 3
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Scotland over time 7
Part A - Past s
Scottish small town and planning history 8-9
Part B - Present + Future
Location map + regional growth 10 3
Demographic of Scotland today and future predictions 11
How to read this book 13
Case Studies
Market towns 15
Case studies 16 - 33
Analysis + Conclusion 35 - 41
Industrial towns 43
Case studies 44 - 67
Analysis + Conclusion 68 - 75
Planned towns 77
Case studies 78 - 89
Analysis + Conclusion 90 - 95
Coastal towns 97
Case studies 98 - 111
Analysis + Conclusion 112 - 117
Commuter towns 119
Case studies 120 - 137
Analysis + Conclusion 138 - 145
Tourist towns 147
Case studies 148 - 161
Analysis + Conclusion 162 - 167
Summary of results 169
Results Table 170 - 171
Summary 172 - 173
Conclusion 174
Bibliography 175 -176
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4. introduction
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Small towns are very much part of the urban landscape of Scotland. They provide not only a historical legacy i
but are important drivers for the economy, activity and culture; they are an important focal point for rural o
communities. Creating a successful town can have significant effects for its hinterland and protect the country- n
side from unnecessary development.
5
Over the course of the twentieth century, many of Scotland’s small towns have been threatened by decline.
Loss of industry and employment has taken the heart out of some of our small towns leaving a legacy of
derelict buildings and a commuting workforce. Subsequently the identity, purpose and pride of many small
towns are under threat and the economic potential and benefits these towns can offer the rest of the country
is not being realised. Conversely, some towns appear to be thriving. This document aims to investigate the
factors that influence these situations by providing a comprehensive graphical resource to show the evolution
of small towns in Scotland over the past 150 years.
A variety of town types and sizes throughout Scotland is analysed to give a broad range of patterns and
trends. Historical figure grounds are used to provide a visual record of development over time and to
compare and contrast the growth of towns at 50 year intervals. These are then paired with current socio-eco-
nomic statistics in order to establish the effects that historical development has had on the present status of
the selected case studies.
As we enter a new age of urban renaissance the way our towns grow and are shaped may be markedly
different than the past fifty years. The document is based on the concept that to appreciate small towns and
how these may be best adapted in the future, it is important to fully understand how they have evolved over
time. It is a morphological study of the built form and the people and processes that have shaped it.
The document is divided in to four sections:
Section one – Methodology - process undertaken to compile this book
Section two – Background Research
Scotland over time - [1] History of small towns and planning Scotland
[2] Statistical analysis of current demographic trends.
Section three - Case studies and analysis - Market towns
Industrial towns
Planned towns
Coastal towns
Commuter towns
Tourist towns
Section four - Results
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5. T
scotland over time
Part 1- History of Small Towns and Planning.
Part 2 - Demographic of Scotland Today and Tomor
row.
This chapter is in two parts. The first section looks at
the past giving a brief history of small towns and the
Scottish planning system over time. The second part
gives an account of current socio-economic conditions
and demographics. It then predicts how these may
change in the future.
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6. 12th - 15th centuries 16th & 17th centuries 18th & 19th centuries 20th & 21st centuries
scotland through time
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12th century - Market towns were the first type of 16th Century - Developments in quarrying techniques leads - The Union of the Parliments in 1707 joined Scotland and - Legacy of the industrial revolution century left
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settlement to emerge. They were designed in a to a change in building material & stone takes over from England. Peace allowed the country to develop. Scotland’s urban communities in an appalling condition.
defensive pattern, with high streets often tightly timber construction. This allowed important buildings to e
arranged along routes to Castles. become more prominent. - Scotland entered a new era in economics and wealth - First part of the century was dominated by the first t
brought on by the progress in manufacturing and engi- and second World Wars, through which Scotland
- Introduction of Royal Charters. These titles were - Foreign Trade prospered and development continued with neering methods. continued as an industrial nation.
appointed to settlements giving them trading a further 77 royal burghs forming throughout the 16th
monopolies and access to ports (Royal Burgh, Burgh century. - Towns emerged as industrial settlements, a new second - 20th century drew a great blow to Scotland. From the
of Barony etc). rank of town after the Royal Burghs. 1970’s onward traditional industries that had brought 9
17th Century - Period of development with over 160 small great wealth through the 18th and 19th century began
- 13th century - Expansion of trade and discovery of villages elevated to burgh status, however only a few of - New settlements were often villages that had merged to decline, mainly through competition from foreign
water power introducing mills and the textile indus- these succeeded. together or extensions of existing rural parishes. They did counties.
try. not manage to assume any of the power of the Royal
- Industrialisation began with factories appearing in Burghs, but instead formed as single function industrial - Between 1981 and 2001 70% of all jobs in the primary
- 14th/15th centuries - Success achieved in the 12th Glasgow and Greenock and smaller burghs venturing into towns. and manufacturing industries had been lost and vast
and 13th century came to an abrupt stop in 1296. glass and pottery. quantities of industrial land has been left vacant and
For 21 weeks Edward I of England launched a cam- - Early 19th century saw the arrival of railways, this had undeveloped.
paign on Scotland, sweeping through the country - New buildings and institutions, such as banks, were huge consequences for Scotland’s towns. A mobile popula-
taking every notable castle. required to support new industry. Royal Burghs formed; tion created the tourism market and the transport of goods - Economy becomes based upon service industry with
they accommodated most of these becoming administrative vastly improved industrial productivity. Cities and towns 4/5 jobs expected to be in this sector by 2010. Some
- Throughout the 14th and 15th centuries numerous and financial centres. multiplied. communities struggle still with industrial decline
towns were burnt to the ground on the commands of
the English kings, sparing nothing. This period was - War with England lead to a depreciation in trade as
intermingled with war, famine and economic decline. commerce with the country ceased, the two competed for
overseas trade.
- In an effort to mend the failing economy laws were
introduced regarding clothing, drinking times and - Plague and famine devastated Scotland leading to a 20 %
sport. In the later half of 15th century, empty sites loss in population 1909 Housing Act started an era associated with Public
were given grants to repopulate areas where trade Housing Policy. 1919 Housing Act followed - this pro-
was depressed. 40- 50 new Burghs formed between moted an ideal model for housing, the garden city.
Dean of the Guilds established to enforce regulations.
the 14th and 15th century.
Many local authorities chose not to have one as it
1930 Housing Act - allows for slum clearance and the
hindered devlopment and financial gain. Number of Dean
construction of New Towns. Nothing is constructed until
of the Guild Courts reduced form 49 to 12 by 1869.
the end of the second world war. 1947 housing acts
Distastrous consequences for built environment followed
creates modern planning system. Vast estates are built.
with overcrowded, unsanitary, disease ridden conditions
In cities, tenement slums are demolished and replaced by
emerging as people flocked to towns for work. Urban
tower blocks or population sent to new towns. Small
population was housed in traditional tenements, often
towns see lower density terraced estates form.
overcrowded.
1970/80s - Policy change to rehabilitate rather than
planning
- Towns designed by surveyors appointed by King, - Dean of the Guild evolve from being concerned with Some planned settlements emerged, but these were
layouts related to defence and the protection of mainly mercantile interests to protecting the public. demolish existing slums. Tower blocks are already
generally funded by private landowners.
public buildings. proving unpopular. In the 1980’s Thatcher government
- First set of building control clauses is published in sell- off council houses under the ‘Right to buy’ scheme
The Victorian era linked social and health issues to the
- Some early regulation monitored by the Dean of Edinburgh in 1674, this adresses fire safety, protection of and housing policy is no longer as important. High rise
built environment and a full set of building regulations
the Guild. They would control alterations and private property and the introduction of a land use register. and peripheral estates fail and are hot beds for social
was introduced by the 1890’s. Building regulations came
additions to the town as well as ensure uniform However, adoption of the regulations was not compulsory problems, industrial decline creates social tensions
too late and the cost of compliance was too much for
appearance and disposal of waste. Mainly and was often ignored. some landlords.Conditions of new buildings improved
concerned with protection 1900- 2000’s - Modern slums are as problematic as
while older ones declined further.
victorian ones and begin to be demolished. A return to
traditional urban form is seen.
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7. demographic of scotland today + future predictions
location map 14
- 17 %
Scotland’s population is relatively the same as it was in the 1950’s with no major change expected until the 2030’s. However
the demographic has altered. This will pose challenges to the economy and planning considerations of the future. The current
population of 5,144,200 [june 07], marks the fifth consecutive year of growth. The population is expected to gradually rise
until the end of the next decade . It is then expected to reverse and decline to 5.07 million in 2031, lowering to the 5 million
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Since the 1960’s the standard of living has improved considerably. This is expected to continue and a change of lifestyle t
anticipated. Key facts affecting future demographic:
15
ageing population 11
--> people are living longer - one in eight people will be over 75 by 2031
--> women are having less children - children under 16 will fall from 18% now to 15.7% in 2031
smaller families
+ 10.5 % highland --> family size has been reducing for the last 50 years leading to a decreasing available workforce - working age population will
decline from 62.7% in 2006 to 58.5% in 2031
--> former “typical” family household of (at least) two adults and two or more children will account for only one household in eight
moray + 3.9 %
in 2024
aberdeenshire + 25.1%
migration
--> traditionally Scotland has been a net out-migration country with loss of population to England or overseas destinations however
the trend for migration of eastern europeans to Scotland over recent years has reversed this.
--> internal movements now dominate with the rural areas losing population to the north east.
--> highest out-migration regions 1996 - 2006 were the Shetland Islands, Aberdeen City and Dundee city.
--> highest in-migration regions 1996 - 2006 were Perth + Kinross, East and West Lothian.
angus + 3.5 %
1 inverclyde employment
perth + kinross + 15 % Industrial job losses of the 1980’s hit Scotland hard, particularly town and village communities.
2 midlothian
--> this left large amounts of derelict land; 50% of which was still unrecovered in 2004.
3 north lanarkshire --> 1981 - 2001 the manufacturing and primary industrys lost 36.8% and 34.7 % of their employment respectively.
4 east renfrewshire --> by 2011 it is predicted that 2/3 of the above industries will have vanished
+ 0.5 % argyll + bute
fife + 5.1 % --> in 2006, 44.67% of the population aged 16-74 were in employment with 3.97% classed as unemployed.
5 clackmannanshire + 9.4 % stirling
5 + 1.4 %
6 edinburgh, city of urban structure - households
7 falkirk 16 7 + 3.1 The above categories of ageing population and smaller families both impact on the structure of households
10
6 east + 15 % + 3.9 % --> the population is not expected to markedly change up until 2024 however predictions state that there will be in 11% increase in
- 19.4 % 1 3 12 lothian
8 north ayrshire 13 11 the number of households
2 - 5.1 %
9 + 11.9 % 4 --> the number of single person households is expected to increase by 33% for women and 47% for men in the next 16 yrs.
shetland islands - 5.2 %
- 1.3 % 8 south --> by 2024 single person households are expected to make up 42 % of all households
10 east dunbartonshire - 0.7 % lanarkshire
scottish borders + 8.9 % --> even when the overall population is expected to decrease around 2031 the no. of households is still predicted to increase
11 glasgow city east
not included in study
- 6.3 % ayrshire
12 west lothian uk perspective
south
- 1.3 % ayrshire --> Scotland is the only of the 4 countries that is expected to decline from 2031
13 renfrewshire
[England is expected to reach approximately 57 million by 2031 which is an increase of 6million. This pattern is expected to then
14 orkney continue, reaching 61.4 by 2074]
dumfries + galloway + 1.7 % --> Scotland doesn’t follow British trends it follows european population trends
15 eileen star
--> Scotland’s proportion of the UK population has consistantly fallen since 1861, by 2071 it is projected to decline to 6.1 %.
16 west dumbartonshire
All facts presented on this page are from the following documents;
[The Register General, (2007) Annual review of demographic trends, Scotland’s population 2006.]
% shown = growth 1981 - 2006 [The Register General, (2008) Mid-2007 Population Estimates Scotland.]
[Scottish Parliament, (2006) Scotland with an ageing population: economic and demographic challenges we should have met by 2031]
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8. how to read this book. . . . mk
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key % non flatted accomodation photo timeline table: growth diagrams e
ry
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£
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average house price
t
indicates population unknown
area [ha]
number of dwellings original core 13
indicates known population secondary growth
density [u/ha]
current boundaries
populations have been taken from 1851, 1901, 1950 + 2006 census figures
timeline population
date of map maps have been sourced as closely as possible to these 50 year intervals
tables individual town type tables
[type of employment] --> top three types based on % breakdown of working population
[% in employment] --> represents all people aged 16 - 74 in employment
education [% with a quailification] --> includes; standard grades, highers, HND, SVQ [or equilivant] + degree level
[% good general health] --> refers to health rated as good or fairly good over the 12 months prior to census
day (29 April 2001)
real estate [average house price] --> refers to percentage above or below the scottish average; current, 7th august 2008
[owner occupied] --> includes those who own outright, owns with a mortgage or loan + shared ownership
[railway station] --> refers to towns with an active railway station; current august 2008
retail [30 miles from larger settlement] --> distance measured to settlements with populations of 30 000 or above
[% growth] --> percentage difference calculated between the 1950 + 2006 census data
[s.a.] = scottish average
health +
social work
indicates better than the scottish average indicates worse than the scottish average p indicates
hotels +
[excluding growth which just indicates positive or negative which no relationship to the scottish average] previous railway
restaurants
final table - comparison of town types
manufacture [type of employment] --> represents the top employment type only
}
[% in employment]
[% with a quailification]
[% good general health] average has been calculated using data from each town in the category
public admin
[% owner occupied]
[average house price] --> % of towns in the category rating above the scottish average
construction [railway station]
[30 miles from larger settlement }
% of towns in the category with
[% growth] --> % of towns in the category with positive growth
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9. market towns have played an
important role in Scotland’s rural communities
throughout history. The legal right to hold a market
distinguished these towns from other settlements and
signified their importance. This role not only protected
the towns but allowed them trading privileges leading
to growth.
case studies - brechin, clackmannan, cupar,
dingwall, forres, kelso, kirkcudbright, lanark + tain.
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10. population 8210 10444 8203 6950
date of map 1856 1903 1959 2008
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brechin
Brechin has a long history. The reason for its existence is its cathedral originating in
56.74%
the 12th century. The town struggled in its early years until it was awarded Royal
Burgh Status in the 1400’s. This allowed the town the right to hold a market and
provided the town with great wealth. By the 19th century the town became an associ-
ated with the textile industry and there were four major mills in the town. Further-
£ £132,091
10 000
1400 royal burgh at cathedral 1850 textile industry and trade centre 1950 industry declines 2008 town becomes tourist centre
more distilleries provided a vital source of employment. Subsequently between 1851
and 1900 the population grew by over 2000. Railways came to the town in 1895. 267ha
Industry did not sustain the town throughout the 20th century and the population
decreased considerably between 1900 and 1950. This decline has continued but
slowed down in subsequent years with a population loss of 100 between 1950 and 3364
2006. Passenger rail services have left the town. However Brechin is home to the
Caledonian Railway, a steam train run by enthusiasts for tourists during the summer
months. 12.59 dwellings/ha
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11. population 3002 2501 3024 3420
date of map 1850 1920 1958 2008
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clackmannan
82.55%
Clackmannan’s early role was that of a port where the River Black Devon met the River Forth.
The location was also home to Clackmannan Tower, built in the 9th Century. However the
£ 800 town established at castle 1800 admin. centre and weaving town 1900 industry/population declines 2008 pleasant town retains residents
port silted up and the town came to dominance as the administrative centre of Clackman-
nanshire. The towns tollbooth built in 1592 was the main administration building in the £129,499
10 000
county containing a court and prison. This enjoyed a prominant position in the town’s market
place. Here also stands The Clack - an ancient stone dating back to Celtic times. The town’s
role continued to be that of an administrative centre throughout its history. Although, some 104ha
industry was present during the 18th and 19th C, such as shallow shaft coal mines, an iron
foundry and a distillery. However, the town’s prosperity did not continue and many people left
to seek work in other locations, especially in neighbouring Alloa where there was a booming 1453
manufacturing industry. By 1901 the population of the town had halved. The 20th Century
saw the towns grow both physically and in terms of population. This may be due to its loca-
tion along the A907 to Stirling. 13.9 dwellings/ha
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12. population 7427 6766 8085 8800
date of map 1856 1896 1938 2008
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cupar 63.36 %
In 12th century Cupar was established as the county town of Fife. It prospered in its early
days on the back of the wool industry and later grew as a market town and administra-
tive centre. It served a huge population encompassing much of south east fife. The 19th
Century saw Cupar at its most fortunate. The early part of the century saw it establish £ £245,220
10 000
1850 county town of fife 1900 cupar thrives as financial centre 1950 town continues to prosper 2008 retains market town character
itself in financial services and as home to the county newspaper. Further development
occurred with the arrival of the railway in 1847. The population of the town grew steadily
355ha
throughout the century from 4463 in 1800 to 6766 in 1901. Due to its wealth the town
housed numerous fine buildings and churches many of which can still be seen today.
Although stripped of its role of county town in 1974 when the council gave the title to
the new town of Glenrothes, the town has continued to prosper and grow. This may 3805
have been aided by the retention of the railway and location close to the M90 motorway.
10.7 dwellings/ha
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13. population 2364 2758 3604 5080
date of map 1876 1906 1959 2008
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dingwall 78.86%
It is believed that Dingwall was first established around 1050 lying in a strategic position
at the head of Cromarty forth. In 1814 the bridging of the rivers Conon and Buely and
the construction of the parliamentary roads, lead to Dingwall becoming the centre of
communications for the north. It became the administrative centre for much of northern
Scotland. In 1820 the harbour arrived and it became a port. Agricultural change in the
£ £207,111
10 000
1820 became a port 1862 railway arrived 1900’s high street part of the A9 2008 bustling market town
1800’s lead to commercial farming and brought new business to the town. The arrival of
the railway in 1862 lead to further growth and the town established itself as an agricul- 326 ha
tural market place. In 1890 the town set up permanent livestock markets however these
have since been relocated to allow for a large superstore in the town centre. Originally in
the 1900’s the high street was part of the A9. The creation of the Cromarty Firth bridge 2163
redirected this and relieved the town of the heavy traffic it experienced in the 19th cen-
tury when it was the busiest route centre in Northwest Scotland.
6.64 dwellings/ha
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14. population 4069 5241 5231 8990
date of map 1873 1906 1959 2008
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forres
Forres is one of the oldest towns in Scotland, holding Royal Burgh status since 1140. With lim-
83.37 %
ited growth from the 17th century, Forres entered a period of development beginning in 1810
and by the 1820’s the town experienced rapid expansion with new developments emerging
on the outskirts of town. Nestled on the flood plane of river Findhorn, the great flood of 1829
transformed the town with many of the population seeking high ground and relocating to the
£ £170,600
10 000
1820’s large expansion 1910 market town 1985bypass introduced 2008 town centre largly unchanged
Cluny Hills. However despite this natural disaster Forres transformed in the 19th century with
the help of the introduction of the railway. This strengthened the economy, allowing export 381 ha
of agriculture by rail, which in turn brought improved road connections and infrastructure
investment. Today the composition of the town remains relatively unchanged having retained
the original layout of the medieval town plan. The market history of the town is still evident, the 3801
high street widening where the market was originally held. Many fine buildings also remain in-
cluding the tolbooth and mercat cross. Through retaining it heritage and tradition Forres today
is an attractive place to visit, famous for its floral displays. 9.97 dwellings/ha
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15. population 5634 4525 4518 5380
date of map 1862 1899 1938 2008
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kelso
Located where the rivers Tweed and Teviot meet, Kelso developed from a small
64.7%
hamlet as a direct result of the Kelso Abbey which was established in 1128. Upon
completion, the town flourished and attracted monks who were skilled craftsmen,
this helped the population to expand. However there were large scale fires in 1645 £ £192,753
10 000
1128developed with creation of abbey 1803 first bridge constructed 1905 largest market square in scotland 2008 a charming town
and 1742 which destroyed the central part of town. Controlled predominately by
the abbey the wealth and power declined in the 16th century yet the construction of
the Kelso Bridge in 1754 lead to Kelso becoming an important stop on the London 151 ha
to Edinburgh coach route. During the 18th and 19th centuries stately homes were
built outside the town centre due to the growth of a richer middle class. Today the
town retains the original central layout with four cobbled streets merging into a 2363
central cobbled market square. Most of the current town centre features Georgian or
Victorian architecture with the town hall from 1816 sitting on the site of the original
tollbooth. 15.6 dwellings/ha
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16. population 3555 3309 3316 3240
date of map 1854 1909 1951 2008
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kirkcudbright
80.33%
Situated on the River Dee, Kirkcudbright achieved Royal Burgh status in 1455. This gave
the town the right to trade with ports outside Scotland an emphasised the importance of
the harbour. The original town was built around the high street. The River Dee protected its
castle, habour and moat on all sides giving security which lead to the town prospering. The
£ £273,720
10 000
1854 arrival of railway 1900 high street is wrapped 2 sides of core 1950 town retains character as artist town 2008 scenic scottish fishing town
town gained considerable wealth in the early centuries and during the 1400’s a quarter
of all Scotland’s cloth exports left from Kircudbright’s harbour. The town then faced a
152 ha
time of decline in the 1600 and 1700’s however the arrival of the railway in 1864 allowed
Kircudbright to make its mark as a centre for artists and maintain a steady population
through the 19th and 20th century. The high street in kirkcudbright is unusual as it wraps
1620
around the two sides of the town core rather than forming a central thoroughfare, this can
be clearly seen in the figure grounds above. Many old town houses still line the high street
hinting to kirkcudbright’s history.
10.65 dwellings/ha
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17. population 8243 8103 9250 8200
date of map 1864 1898 1958 2008
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lanark
Becoming a Royal Burgh in 1140, Lanark has been an important market town since
medieval times and was the location of the first Scottish parliament meeting in 978. 1785
70.25 %
brought large change when the water power of the river Clyde was harnessed by the
cotton mills built at New Lanark (located one mile from the existing town). Whilst Lanark
served as a focus for the wider rural community New Lanark drove the local economy. In
£ £200,741
10 000
1785 mercat cross demolished 1855 railway arrived 1950 town continued to flourish 2008 retains market town character
1845 the railway arrived and Lanark flourished as a market town holding regular livestock
markets. The mills in New Lanark closed in 1968 & 74 which threatened its existence and
268 ha
the economy of the surrounding areas. However, it began a process of regeneration and
survived. Today the older buildings lining the high street reveal Lanark’s character as a
market town. There has been a considerable amount of investment in Lanark over recent
3656
years, though the narrow streets and vennels have prevented major redevelopment of the
shops. The site of the original mercat cross marks the foot of the high street and is still
known as ‘the cross’. Today there is little industry although it still holds one of Scotland’s
largest farming markets. 13.6 dwellings/ha
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