28 MAY 1932, Page 12

The Association for the Preservation of Rural Scotland has recently

drawn criticism by its publication in the Press of designs for various types of small rural subsidy dwellings. These have been prepared by various untamed architects and are available to local authorities on payment of a small fee. As they are native in character, well planned and good to look upon, as well as conforming to the Scottish Depart- ment of Health requirements, the scheme seems on the face of it eminently worthy, and whatever critics may say on the score of their use stiffing individuality and local variety, I have no doubt in my own mind that their adoption by some counties or burghs (otherwise perhaps not employing a qualified architect at all) would effect an improvement in the appearance and planning of much of the future rural housing of Scotland. Better these efficient and attractive cottages, surely, than the devastating results of laissez-faire that mock the countryside to-day with strident colours and regrettable shapes, or the monotonous housing with which local authorities have saddened many of our villages.