Alexander Bowie (1766-1829)
Sometimes described as 'Stirling's forgotten architect', Alexander Bowie was responsible for several fine Georgian-style domestic buildings around the town, notably in the development known as Allan Park. The most impressive public building for which he was responsible is the former Stirling Royal Infirmary, now the site of the Health Board offices in the city's Spittal Street which leads up to the historic medieval old town area.

Alexander 'Greek' Thomson (1817-1875)
Alexander Thomson was born in Balfron, the 17th out of 24 children in the family. (He was later to design Balfron Manse.) He became one of the finest Scottish architects of the Victorian era, his adventurous, innovative yet classically-influenced designs earning him his 'Greek' title. Though associated with Glasgow, where he worked, examples of his work can be seen, in private hands, in Helensburgh. This fascinating town saw great expansion after the railway arrived. Wealthy Glasgow-based industrialists could commute to their work in Glasgow, and build their grand houses by the sea-air of the Clyde. This is why Helensburgh is sometimes called 'a museum of villas'.

3rd Marquis of Bute (1847-1900)
John Patrick Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquis of Bute, is sometimes described as the best non-professional architect of his generation. On Bute itself his family is noted for restoration work on Rothesay Castle but most famously for the commissioning of the architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson for the construction of a new Mount Stuart, after the family's original house was destroyed by fire in 1877. This Gothic fantasy, lavishly detailed, is the finest domestic example of its kind and a 'must see' for all visitors to the island.

Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928)
Born in Glasgow, Mackintosh was an architect who influenced European design, but only in more recent times has he achieved recognition in his own country. Now acknowledged as a truly original and creative designer, he combined an expression of the modern with a love of the traditional. In the care of the National Trust for Scotland, Hill House in Helensburgh (corner of Kennedy Drive and Upper Colquhoun Street), is an excellent example of the originality of Mackintosh's work in a domestic setting. In the house's pleasing proportions and well thought-out rooms, it shows the architect's thoroughness and constant awareness of the finest of details. Other examples of his work are scattered over many parts of Scotland, including Loch Goil and Dumgoyne. The interior furnishings of the Holy Trinity Church in Bridge of Allan were also designed by Mackintosh.