Which sector of the economy has the most potential to lift public spirits while promoting economic growth?

No, not whisky (it leaves no physical traces), but architecture, that other area where Scotland has shown unique, world-class quality over the centuries.

For evidence, look no further than the new Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) pamphlet considering the longlist and shortlist for the architectural association's annual awards, showcasing 73 projects "from Wigtown to Lerwick". What is striking is the sheer variety of projects, ranging from refurbishments of ancient and not-so ancient monuments to public projects such as schools and health centres, to funky modernist houses for rich Scots – all of which have the dual benefit of employing people, stimulating spending on suppliers, and adding to Scotland's rich built environment.

RIAS secretary Neil Baxter said: "Architects have never had more challenging times and yet, in a climate of cost-cutting and fee-cutting, the quality of what's being produced is remarkable, a legacy of a long period of very strong architectural education in Scotland."

He worries that this education is under threat, but that's another story.

WE were very saddened to read of the early death from a brain tumour of Tom Buchanan, 55, the Edinburgh SNP councillor who was the capital's economic development convener.

Agenda had some dealings with him, including time spent on a civic and press trip to Dusseldorf, and found him delightful company and a true professional, far from the local councillor stereotype.

Efforts over sauerkraut and Altbier to winkle information about the disastrous trams project – whose farcical progress must have pained him – met with the firm, humorous rebuttal of someone not easily hoodwinked. Graham Bell, formerly of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, sums him up well: "Tom was that rare thing, a committed politician who actually knows something about business, who puts his constituency and his brief ahead of his party."