A new document outlining the Executive's aspirations for the future of the country's architecture was unveiled today. Building Our Legacy is the government's new statement on architecture policy, which builds on the commitments made in its original policy in 2001. The revised policy provides a blueprint for architectural excellence within Scotland and acknowledges the milestones which have taken place since 2001, including the establishment of the Scottish Building Standards Agency and Architecture and Design Scotland.

The new document highlights a number of exemplar design projects developed over the last five years, including the Clydebank Re-Built urban regeneration project and the five Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres which have been built across Scotland.

The new Scottish Executive strategy is focused on five key objectives:

• Leading the delivery of high quality new developments in both the public and private sectors
• Stimulating a cultural climate which values architecture and encourages debate and community involvement
• Providing the right skills, tools and support mechanisms to facilitate good quality, sustainable built environments
• Strengthening the development of an architectural culture which embraces sustainable, inclusive and accessible design
• Encouraging a better understanding of the role that built heritage can play in shaping a sustainable future

Culture Minister Patricia Ferguson unveiled the strategy at The Lighthouse, National Architecture and Design Centre in Glasgow. During the launch the Minister was given a tour of current exhibitions including Northern City: Between Light and Dark', part of the National Programme, which is aligned with aspects of the Policy on Architecture.

Ms Ferguson said: "We recognise the important contribution of architecture in making Scotland an attractive place to live, work and visit. The quality and design of our built environment makes a significant contribution to our quality of life, our economic success and how others see us. Our new statement on architecture responds to the dynamic changes which have taken place in Scotland's built environment since the original policy was developed. We are keen to lead by example, to further improve the quality of new projects and ensure that they are truly sustainable for years to come."

"The progress made over the last five years has been extremely positive, as evidenced by the achievements of Architecture and Design Scotland and the National Programme on Architecture. I am extremely optimistic about the continuing achievements of Scottish architecture and can see growing international recognition of the strength of recent Scottish projects."

Nick Barley, Director of The Lighthouse, said: "Following the concrete achievements of the National Programme over last four years, The Lighthouse is looking forward to creating further opportunities to celebrate and promote the work of Scottish Architects; to engage communities practically in the development of their built environment and to raise the debate about key issues such as the state of new build housing in Scotland."

Raymond Young, OBE, Chair of A+DS commented: "In seeking to see Scotland raise its game in architecture and place making, the new policy poses challenges for us all. A+DS will be delighted to develop its roles in strengthening the delivery of well designed buildings and places, both by government through its capital programmes, and in the spheres of housing and regeneration."

Since its introduction The National Programme has promoted the quality of Scottish Architecture at home and overseas, in such august arenas as the Venice and Rotterdam Architecture Biennales. Through events, exhibitions and publications it has offered a showcase for, amongst others:

• Ground-breaking companies such as Dualchas - a leader in the field of sustainable housing designed with sensitivity for the Scottish landscape
• Blueprints for contemporary housing estates such as Malcolm Fraser Architects Drum in Bo-ness
• Creative solutions to regeneration such as gm+ad Architects JKS workshops in Clydebank
• Innovative arts venues such as Richard Murphy's Eastgate Theatre in Peebles and the new Pier Arts Centre in Stromness

The National Programme has created opportunities for communities from the Shetlands and the Hebrides to the Borders to have a real voice on the development of their environment through such projects such as the redevelopment of Girvan; the future of Portree Harbour and housing in Glasgow's East End.

The major schools programme developed for The National Programme has seen the introduction of innovations such as Building Connections - a resource bringing architecture into the schools curriculum for the first time, and The National Programme offers a platform for future generations of architects to show their ideas through initiatives such as the annual SIX Architecture Awards