The Lighthouse

Do we really value our High Streets or are they simply past their sell-by date? With vacancies up and shopper numbers down, is it time to rethink? In Scotland the High Street began as a marketplace, a hub of social activity - busy, raucous and messy. 



This exhibition shows its evolution, our changing shops and shopping habits, and the impact this has had today. Specially commissioned films gather people’s stories of the High Street and document a recent journey through 15 Scottish High Streets. It suggests remedies to ensure our future High Streets are sustainable and thriving places. 



With the recent Mary Portas review of the UK High Street the future of our town centres is a hot topic. The exhibition provides an opportunity to stimulate discussion about key issues in the process of transformation and regeneration of our villages, towns and cities. A recent workshop drew participants from across Scotland to consider the future of the Scottish High Street. Resources from this event are available on www.ads.org.uk



A cross-curricular learning resource has been developed as part of this project - for further information or to obtain a copy please contact education@ads.org.uk or check out www.ads.org.uk/access



The exhibition is created by Architecture and Design Scotland, with kind support from the Scottish Government and Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland. 
Find out more on www.ads.org.uk/highstreet

Images courtesy of Architecture and Design Scotland.