The winners of a competition to improve two of Scotland's most scenic viewpoints have been announced.

As part of the Scottish Government's Scenic Routes Initiative, entrants were asked to submit a design that would improve the viewpoints at the Cairngorms National Park and the Caledonian Canal. It aims to enhance the visitor experience of Scotland's landscape by creating installations that celebrate, and improve access to, the famous scenery.

In the Cairngorms National Park, four entries were shortlisted for the view point on the A939 Cock Bridge to Tomintoul Road. The site lies on one of the 'snow roads' and overlooks the 16th century Corgarff Castle and Ben Avon in the heart of the National Park. The winning submission was 'The Watchers' by John Kennedy, while the Highly Commended Award went to Ruairidh Moir for his design 'Na Criochan: Threshold of Territory'.

Duncan Bryden, Convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), said: "We want our visitors to have the best experience they can as they explore and travel round the UK's largest National Park. Excellent, sustainable design is something that we strive for here and I feel we have definitely found that in the winning design."

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The Caledonian Canal site, at Laggan at the northern tip of Loch Lochy, is located within the Great Glen. Five entries were shortlisted for this viewpoint with the winning entry being 'Harbour Rest' by Sean Douglas and Gavin Murray. Melissa Lawson and Ross Aitchison's 'Forest-Loch-Reflection' received the Highly Commended Award.

Steve Dunlop, Chief Executive of Scottish Canals: "Laggan is a wonderful spot which overlooks a world-class canal and attracts thousands of visitors each year. By working with partners and up and coming design talent we want more people to stop off both here and in the Cairngorms, experience Scotland at its best, spend money locally and contribute even more to the nation's tourist economy."

Welcoming the decisions, Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "Scotland has some of the most stunning landscapes in the world that is admired by visitors from home and abroad. This is a great project to harness the skills and creativity of young architects and will ensure people can fully appreciate what our beautiful countryside has to offer.

"The Scenic Routes initiative has now had two great competitions with a lot of creative entries showcasing some of our best architectural talent. I would like to congratulate the young Scottish architects who will have their designs turned into reality and I am looking forward to visiting them."

The Scottish Government's Scenic Routes Initiative was launched in 2013.

(JP)