The original intention for this issue was to focus on gardens and designed landscapes – a subject I have long wanted to highlight. Inevitably, however, the pressing challenge of church closures and sales has generated a second theme. On reflection, I realise that a third, unplanned thread also runs through several contributions: humour.

AHSS Acting Chair Jocelyn Cunliffe sets the tone with her playful A–Z of the Alexander Ross Symposium which took place earlier in the year at Ardtornish House. Our opening feature, by Dr Andrew Paterson, celebrates the centenary of the witty creative polymath Ian Hamilton Finlay with an exploration of Little Sparta, his remarkable and unique garden. From there, we turn to doocots: commonplace yet often overlooked elements of designed landscapes. Though practical in purpose, their forms reveal considerable architectural whimsy. Angela Thomas and Kirsten McLuskey trace their development over five centuries and outline hopes for a community heritage project at Glenbarr.

A leap of several millennia takes us to a peculiarly Scottish manifestation in the prehistoric landscape: brochs. Archaeologist Matt Ritchie explains the work involved in their survey, consolidation and conservation. He also imagines – with the help of artists and a good dash of humour – the lives of those who built and inhabited them.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of Scotland’s Garden Landscape Heritage. Matt Benians reflects on the organisation’s story and the volunteers whose commitment has shaped it. Where would any heritage bodies (or indeed this magazine!) be without the time and expertise so generously offered by volunteers? Reading the local group reports always impresses and inspires.

Church closures and sales form the second major theme of this issue. Two special reports, by Harry Whitmore and Dr Lizzie Swarbrick, examine initiatives enabling communities to research, record, purchase, reinvent and manage these places of worship. Rays of hope amongst the gloom.

Our book reviews span subjects from William Butterfield and his so-called “obscene” architecture to Scotland’s New Towns and the Art Deco legacy. Two garden-related exhibition reviews follow: on Ian Hamilton Finlay and ‘Garden Futures’, which explores the past, present and future of garden design.

Finally, given the focus of this issue, it seemed fitting to highlight a favourite garden rather than a building. Who better to choose than Liz Stewart, chief executive of Scotland’s Garden Scheme? I love her choice and description of a place once practical, now ornamental; hidden, but now celebrated.

Abigail Daly, Editor

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