Scotland on Sunday

Form follows function, follows aesthetic," chants Dr Stuart MacDonald, director of the Lighthouse, Scotland's innovative and unique National Centre for Architecture and Design, as he tries to explain what good design is. And if you're going to ask anyone that question, MacDonald is the person to ask. Six years ago he helped found the UK's first specifically targeted design centre in Glasgow. Last week, Chancellor Gordon Brown announced a "network of innovation centres" to foster young design talent with an international hub in London. And the only UK blueprint for this prestigious new development, as researched by chairman of the Design Council, Sir George Cox, in the recently released Cox Report? Our very own Lighthouse.