An acclaimed designer, will be working with Scottish projects on plans for low-carbon communities.

Andres Duany, who drew up designs for rebuilding work in Louisiana and Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina, will run design workshops, known as 'charrettes', for projects in Dumfries, Aberdeen and Fife.

The projects are taking part in a government initiative set up to encourage the development of new sustainable communities where residents can enjoy a high quality of life while reducing their carbon footprint.

The teams will be working on large and small scale projects, from reshaping existing neighbourhoods to creating new housing developments, community facilities and transport links to offices and schools.

Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said: "I know the projects are incredibly excited to have the respected designer Andres Duany on board.

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"It is a unique opportunity to combine some of Scotland's most respected aspirational sustainable developments with an internationally acclaimed design consultant.

"This combination has the potential to put Scotland at the forefront of new approaches to planning and development and will attract world-wide interest and recognition of Scottish planning, design and creations."

Mr Neil believes the plans for new low-carbon communities will also provide opportunities for Scotland's construction sector.

Andres Duany said: "It will be a privilege to participate in the Scottish Sustainable Communities Initiative. I look forward to working with can-do Scottish professionals and with the public in what will be a model for an inclusive process.

"Given the diversity of sites it should be possible to explore a broad range of techniques, all in the hopes of contributing to the new planning system being developed for Scotland.

I very much enjoy working with the spirit of innovation and debate which is in the air."

Director of Planning Allan Lundmark from Homes for Scotland, the representative body for the Scottish home building industry added: "Helping to build low-carbon sustainable communities is the central aim of the industry. To deliver the new homes Scotland needs at affordable prices while ensuring we build sustainable places will present considerable challenges.

"The lessons from this initiative will help us meet these challenges and it is an excellent example of the gains that can be achieved when Government works in partnership with the private sector."

(GK/BMcC)