Taking place from March to October 2016, the Festival will be an international celebration of design and creativity designed to highlight Scotland’s architecture and the quality of our built landscape.

It will also form a key part of the 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design.

The Festival will receive £300,000 from the Scottish Government and £100,000 from EventScotland, and is designed to boost appreciation and understanding of the built environment as well as highlighting the economic, social and cultural importance of good architecture.

The programme, which will be announced in due course, will comprise hundreds of events throughout Scotland, including exhibitions, performances, talks, tours, competitions and community projects as well as educational initiatives and conferences.

Announcing the funding culture secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “The RIAS Festival of Architecture will highlight the richness and breadth of Scotland’s architecture and the world quality of our built landscape.

“It will be a nationwide event, showing how architecture touches everyone’s lives and engaging with Scots and visitors to Scotland – whether they have a professional involvement in architecture, or a passing interest.

“Architecture is a pivotal part of Scotland’s culture. This funding from the Scottish Government and VisitScotland will allow the Festival of Architecture to connect Scottish communities and visitors with our architecture through events & exhibitions, Scotland-wide.

“The 2016 Festival of Architecture will form a key part of the 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design celebrations which will shine a spotlight on Scotland’s greatest assets, icons and hidden gems through a wide-ranging, variety of new and existing activity to boost tourism in every corner of Scotland.”

David Dunbar PPRIAS, chair of the Festival of Architecture 2016, said: “This support for the Festival of Architecture 2016 is an important recognition of the potential of this eight month-long event. The Royal Incorporation and our 62 other partner organisations are delighted that the Cabinet Secretary values Scottish Architecture so highly and that the Festival will be a key part of the themed Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design.

“This Festival is a national celebration, notably of great architecture, but also of how the work of architects improves people’s lives. It has the potential to transform Scotland’s relationship with its built environment, engaging local communities, young and old alike, with the artform which has been called ‘the mother of the arts’. By improving people’s appreciation and understanding of architecture we all have the potential to improve Scotland. It will also be great fun!”

Mike Cantlay OBE, chairman of VisitScotland added: “Architecture is a pivotal part of Scotland’s culture and a major tourism asset, with an estimated £187m spent by visitors viewing architecture and buildings on trips to our inspirational country. This Festival is a key part of the Year of Innovation Architecture and Design in 2016 and we are really excited to see the activity and events planned.

“One of the big aims of the festival is to make architecture more accessible to both young and old, encouraging everyone from adventure-seeking families to seasoned design experts to engage with this artful science and discover exciting and innovative developments, buildings and structures across the country. Scotland is a nation of pioneers and it’s high time we shouted about it!”