Abstract:
The Outer Hebrides of Scotland are facing a dwindling population, a declining economy and a progressively
assimilated culture - three crises amid which, this chain of islands is slowly drowning.
Holding untapped potential, much of the archipelago is protected habitat and brimming with native biodiversity.
Playing to the strengths of the local hospitality, the unique culture and scenery, an opportunity is identified to enhance
an existing walking track, branded the ‘Hebridean Trail’. Although this track takes the tourist on a breathtaking
250km pilgrimage through ten islands, it is not fulfilling its promise.
Recognising that architecture is a fundamental tool in constructing a destination’s image, this thesis proposes a
collection of pilot projects along this walking route. On an archipelago where the vernacular architecture has long
been subsumed by the insidious force of cultural imperialism, this initiative aims to restore and reimagine Gaelic
traditions. It also strives to promote both the Hebridean Trail and the culture, and revive a dormant architectural
identity, paving a new path for Scottish contemporary architecture.
Establishing the ‘Hebridean Trail Ecotourism Framework’, this thesis not only proposes an architectural solution;
it suggests a holistic strategy for future development. Criticising the sustainability of global tourism as well as
the placelessness and homogenity of the International Style of architecture, Critical Regionalism is used as a
methodology for the design process, and the theory of ecotourism provides a contextual framework for the project
to sit within. The benefits of the proposition are manifold. Encouraged to stay with local people along the trail, there
would be an authentic cultural and environmental immersion for the visitor; the nature reserves will be revitalised
through an established economic rationale to preserve them, and the rural economies invigorated through education,
careers and the influx of tourists.
The framework intends to incentivise the retention of culture and power a renaissance of crofting, weaving, music
and language. Alleviating the three crises, this thesis asserts that the synthesisation of Critical Regionalism and
ecotourism will assist the economy, stabilise the population and preserve the culture and identity of the islands.