If you think of Scotland as the land of Macbeth and musty castles, it’s time to reconsider. It’s Scotland’s Year Of Innovation, Architecture and Design, and throughout the country, a year-long program of events has been planned. Locations include the city of Dundee, located in eastern Scotland, named as the first UNESCO City of Design in the U.K. The Festival of Architecture (March 1–Oct. 30) celebrates design with events and exhibitions throughout the country, directed by the Royal Incorporation of Architects of Scotland. Also planned for multiple locations, Craft Scotland presents Meet Your Maker (April 1–Dec. 1), with public demonstrations by designers and craft makers.

The entire year’s celebration is perhaps best personified by Glasgow native Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868–1928), an architect, designer and artist widely regarded as a leader in the Arts and Crafts movement. In Glasgow, visitors can revel in Mackintosh creations at The Glasgow School of Art, considered the architect’s masterwork. A comprehensive collection of works by both Mackintosh and his wife, artist Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh, can be enjoyed at The Hunterian Art Gallery and Mackintosh House. Elsewhere, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum houses a permanent display of influencers in the Glasgow Style Movement. Wrap it all up at The Willow Tea Rooms, where Mackintosh designed not only the building and exterior (with Kate Cranston), but also the cutlery and the uniforms worn by the waitstaff. The Willow’s Room de Luxe, with purple paneling, silver chairs with purple glass inserts and leaded mirror windows has been carefully preserved.