Planning in the Scottish Borders Broadens its Horizons

Abstract

This chapter details how modernity came to the Scottish Borders in various disguises; housing schemes inspired by the design and construction adopted in Scotland’s New Towns, supermarkets, pedestrian crossings and roundabouts. It explores how, influenced by the social, economic and political changes taking place in the 1960s, town and country planning in the Scottish Borders became more proactive. Technical working parties were established to assess the development potential of the main towns, and greater emphasis was placed on the conservation of the built environment of Border towns and villages. The chapter describes how increasing attention was paid to the future of the smaller settlements in the landward areas as focal points for services and facilities in a bid to stem rural depopulation. It shows how rural issues came to the fore with the increasing impact of changing farming practices on the landscape and the growing pressure for countryside recreation.