The Scotsman

One of Scotland's leading architects has condemned the planned M8 extension, saying the controversial route will involve "smashing a hole through Glasgow". Award-winning Charlie Sutherland, whose work is recognised across Europe, says the £500 million cost of the motorway would be better spent developing the city. "Glasgow's development plan currently promotes independent and unconnected zones, and the city's most strategic piece of infrastructure - the M74 extension - is going to smash through the fabric of the city," he said. "We believe this money should be used to create major developments in the city rather than something that passes over it." This is not the first time that Mr Sutherland, whose firm designed the An Turas ferry shelter on Tiree, which beat the Scottish Parliament for a coveted Royal Institute of British Architects award, has spoken out.