This work reviews the role of the landscapes and cityscapes of Scotland in the context of its contemporary culture. The book examines environmental issues from many points of view - from the iconic landscapes that are part of the Scottish sense of identity to the actual policies formulated by the newly devolved political establishment. The juxtaposition of cultural attitudes and national policies offers a contrast between the landscape in imagination and in practical policy. Anna Paterson explores the differences between rhetoric and practice, and considers approaches and attitudes to urban and rural devlopment in contemporary Scottish writing. She then focuses attention upon tourism and stewardship of the land, city planning and rural building, small businesses, local authorities, voluntary organizations - seen as forming a network of individuals trying to match their cultural assumptions to economic practicalities. The author asks questions about such issues as: are the National Park designations a free ride for commercial tourist developments?; should Scotland's forests be used for recreation or timber production?; are cities suffering more from zoning or from poor design?; and is there a contradiction between healthy countryside sports and modern sports management?