The Scotsman

Functionality, fitness for purpose and moderation are overrated virtues. Sometimes only a shot of utter absurdity will clear the head and revive the soul. Here we honour one of the UK's most venerable traditions: the fine art of folly building. With more follies per square mile than any other nation, Britain leads the way in rogue architecture. A folly is built for pleasure - curious, fun-loving, or plain absurd. "A folly has no structural function whatsoever. It exists to be looked at and enjoyed," explains Ian Gray of the Folly Fellowship (www.follies.org.uk), an organisation which preserves and promotes enjoyment of follies, grottos and quirky garden buildings.