Architecture tsar starts new job by defending Cumbernauld

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Archiseek / UK / Scotland / News / 2005 / February 24

Scotland's new architecture tsar defended the notorious new town of Cumbernauld yesterday as having "some of the best modern housing of its era". Sebastian Tombs spoke out after being named chief executive of Architecture and Design Scotland, the Ł750,000-a-year quango set up as a "national champion" for good architecture, design and planning. He wasted no time in making his presence felt. In an interview, Mr Tombs said he was on record defending Cumbernauld and four other new towns, East Kilbride, Glenrothes, Livingstone, and Irvine, against "broad-brush dismissiveness". Last week, producers of a new Channel 4 television series, Demolition, pledged to select one of Britain's ugliest buildings for demolition. They were startled to find the entire town of Cumbernauld nominated to be razed.

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