Speaking in advance of the launch Raymond said:

This third year of our operation has seen A&DS taking important steps forward as Scotland’s champion for quality design in the built environment. We have been working in partnership with many individuals and organisations to articulate the clear and simple message that ‘design matters’.

Our annual report includes contributions from some of our key partners, as they outline our shared vision for creating and sustaining the sort of places that the people of Scotland would want to live in. I firmly believe that our built environment can be a key driver towards making Scotland smarter, healthier, wealthier and greener.

There is, though, still a long way to go before we reach the tipping point where there is a general expectation of fine quality development emerging consistently through the planning system. While this challenge remains A&DS will continue to champion excellence in place-making for the people of Scotland.

A copy of the A&DS Annual Report 2007/08 can be found here.