An internationally acclaimed designer is in Scotland to help create a blueprint for the towns and cities of the future.

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

The projects are taking part in a Scottish Government initiative to develop sustainable communities that offer residents a high quality of life on a low-carbon footprint.

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.

A major urban expansion is envisaged for the North side of Aberdeen, with the possibility of building 7,000 new homes in a series of live and work neighbourhoods.

The Ladyfield project in Dumfries looks to offer up to 400 new energy efficient homes and large and small business premises to allow people to live within walking distance to work.

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Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "I know the projects are incredibly excited to have a unique opportunity to develop their ideas for aspirational sustainable developments with the support of Andres Duany.

"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.

"The plans will also provide opportunities for Scotland's construction sector, something which, as we work towards economic recovery, it is vital we take advantage of."

Andres Duany commented: "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, said the lessons from this initiative will help the industry meet these challenges.

"It is an excellent example of the gains that can be achieved when Government works in partnership with the private sector," he added.

Andres Duany is a founding principal at Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company (DPZ). In the years since the firm first received recognition for the design of Seaside, Florida, in 1980, DPZ has completed designs for close to 300 new towns, regional plans, and community revitalisation projects.

(GK/BMcC)