RIAS Awards Announce Ten Winning Buildings Across Scotland
Ten buildings have been named winners of the annual Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) awards. The selected projects encompass new social housing, healthcare and education facilities, as well as the restoration of a pavilion at a historic open-air pool.
The winning buildings will now compete for the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland prize, which is scheduled to be awarded in November.
Edinburgh Futures Institute, by Bennetts Associates
The project involved the repair and remodelling of a Category A listed Victorian hospital, resulting in "exceptional" new facilities for the University of Edinburgh. The judges highlighted the project's demonstration of technical mastery while maintaining the historic building's integrity.
Lorram, Plockton, Highlands, by Baillie Baillie Architects
Designed and built by Colin and Megan Baillie as their own residence, this contemporary interpretation of a traditional Highlands cottage celebrates timber use and local tradition. The judges commended the project for its craftsmanship and sustainability, describing it as "profoundly poetic."
Neilston Learning Campus, East Renfrewshire, by BDP
BDP developed a shared campus for Neilston Primary School and St Thomas's Primary School. The judges noted the project's effective use of outdoor connections to support learning, promote active lifestyles, and provide access to nature.
Paisley Central Library, Paisley, by Collective Architecture
This project revitalized a "dilapidated" historic building, transforming it into a "dynamic and community-focused" central library. The judges praised the building's reflection of the town's "energy and grain," while offering a "calm and welcoming" atmosphere.
Parkhead Health and Social Care and Community Hub, Glasgow, by Hoskins Architects
Parkhead Hub includes a library, pharmacy, cafe, and social care facilities. The judges described it as "simultaneously functional, engaging and community-focused," illustrating how design can transform everyday services into inspiring, human-centred spaces.
Preston Tower, Doocot and Gardens, East Lothian, by GRAS
Preston Tower is a "sensitive and inspiring" restoration of a 15th-century structure. The judges emphasized the project as an example of careful heritage stewardship, combining delicacy, rigour, and social relevance to create a building and landscape that is enduring, inspiring, and cherished by its community.
St Andrew's Drive, phases two and three, Glasgow, by jmarchitects
This social housing development in Pollokshields replaces 1960s housing blocks with 120 new homes. The judges were impressed by the architects' ambitious approach and their ability to optimize the site, balancing residents' needs, social interaction, and environmental responsibility.
Tarlair Outdoor Pool Pavilion, Macduff, Aberdeenshire, by Studio Octopi
Originally built in the 1930s, Tarlair Outdoor Pool was among the first Art Deco outdoor pools in Scotland and one of the largest. Studio Octopi's restoration of the Tea Pavilion, part of a broader programme to fully reopen the pools, was praised by the judges for demonstrating how "sensitive design" can revive a historic site while accommodating contemporary use.
The Canna House Project for the National Trust for Scotland, Isle of Canna, by LDN Architects
The Canna House Project restored the Category B listed building to its former prominence through a "painstaking" programme. The judges described the project as an "exemplary" model of conservation.
Usher Building, University of Edinburgh, by Hassell
This purpose-built centre for population health research and innovation offers a "flexible, inclusive and collaborative" environment. The judges commended the project for balancing civic ambition, technical innovation, and human-centred design.
RIAS president Karen Anderson commented on the awards, stating that they once again demonstrate how "great architecture adds value" across Scottish society.
"These 10 projects show just how much well-designed buildings, and the re-invention and careful stewardship of our heritage, can give joy and improve our day-to-day lives whether at work, at leisure or at home," she said.
"It's really important through our awards to be able to recognise the creativity, skills and commitment of the architects and project teams that make great projects happen."
