In Scotland, we share a collective pride in our country’s natural beauty. Our coasts, glens, and lochs, attract millions of tourists to our nation every year.

I believe that Scots have a duty to not only celebrate this natural beauty but are morally obliged to conserve it.

Scotland’s glorious landscape is known across the world. The dramatic landscape of Glencoe was used in the James Bond Skyfall. Harry Potter fans will instantly recognise Glenfinnan, both for Loch Shiel and Glenfinnan Viaduct. Those who watch Outlander will know the colourful scenery of the Royal Burgh of Culross.

And in September this year, Scotland’s beauty was the stage the world saw as the coffin of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, was taken from Balmoral Castle to Holyrood Palace. During these sobering six hours, the world understood better why Elizabeth II loved Scotland so much.

Architecture should uplift and inspire people and communities. It should spark the imagination, being a constant reminder that we can be a better version of ourselves and fill us with noble thoughts of serving our communities and country.

But through state planning, Scotland’s architecture has become increasingly monotonous. The uniqueness of architecture that defines villages and towns has been replaced by concrete and stone chips. The variety of colours has been replaced by grey.

This has a psychological impact on the population that live in these areas. It dulls our imagination. It tells us that Government and local authorities believe their environment, their lives, and their wellbeing is less important than others.

Sadly, this helps create the conditions that tells people that they cannot be a success on their own but must rely on the state. As a Conservative I find this repulsive, a reflection of the state and its apparatchiks’ uncaring attitude towards these forgotten and left behind communities.

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