Two castles and a prison on RIAS best buildings list
Aldourie Castle, Loch Ness, by Ptolemy Dean Architects
The Category A-listed Aldourie Castle has been conserved and all the surrounding estate buildings restored as well as new ones added, including farm buildings, an energy centre, a boathouse and a pedestrian bridge. The judges admired how the project reconnected the disparate buildings to their romantic setting.
Caoghan na Creige, Isle of Harris, by Izat Arundell
The stone-clad building blends into the rugged Hebridean landscape, giving the home the appearance of a modern-day blackhouse. The judges described the project as a testament to what can be achieved through patience, skill and a profound respect for place.
Ellengowan Regeneration, Dundee, by Collective Architecture
Ellengowan Regeneration replaces 124 deteriorating flats with 130 affordable homes.It is a mix of housing including accessible flats, cottage flats, family terraced houses and a corner shop. The judges praised the project's inclusive approach which balances modern needs with heritage preservation.
Fairburn Tower, Muir of Ord, Highland by Simpson & Brown Architects
Built in the 16th Century and added to in the 17th, this remote Category A listed structure had fallen into a ruinous state. The judges described Fairburn Tower as an exemplar project, where restoration and reconstruction are beautifully accomplished, while also delivering characterful holiday accommodation.
Gairnshiel Jubilee Bridge, Gairnshiel, Aberdeenshire by Moxon Architects
The Gairnshiel Jubilee Bridge provides a new route over the River Gairn, eliminating the lengthy detours and delays caused by frequent structural damage to the 18th Century crossing as it was no longer suitable for modern-day traffic. The judges described the project as a fine example of how to integrate a modern vehicular bridge into a sensitive landscape.
HM Prison and Young Offender Institution Stirling by Holmes Miller Architects
The building is billed as a "fundamental rethinking of custodial environments in Scotland".It supports women in custody through spaces that are intended to promote dignity, equality and meaningful rehabilitation.The judges praised it as a model of how public buildings can be both operationally robust and deeply humane.
Kinloch Lodge, Lairg, by GRAS
Kinloch Lodge is a "light-touch" conservation project which aims to maintain the charming and idiosyncratic nature of the original mid-19th Century lodge and its outbuildings.RIAS said each has been lovingly, painstakingly and respectfully restored exactly as they were found, using traditional methods and materials.The judges said the architects' involvement is refreshingly understated and thoroughly respectful of the original buildings.
The Nucleus Building, University of Edinburgh, by Sheppard Robson
The building is described by RIAS as a new heart for the University of Edinburgh which unites teaching, learning and social spaces. The judges described the Nucleus Building as a deftly executed piece of civic architecture.
Riverside Primary School, Perth, by Architype
Riverside Primary School is the first Passivhaus-certified school in Scotland.The judges described it as an exemplary project, which will serve as an inspiring model for the design of schools in Scotland and across the UK.
Rosebank Distillery, Falkirk, by MLA
The Rosebank Distillery had been considered lost but it has been carefully restored.The jury was impressed by the design team, who navigated complex constraints including contamination, conservation, coal mining risk and listed structures. They said the retention and restoration of the chimney, lockkeeper's cottage and red-brick buildings reflect a commitment to memory and place.
Union Terrace Gardens, Aberdeen, by Stallan-Brand Architecture + Design
RIAS said this transformation of a long-neglected civic space reclaimed Union Terrace Gardens as Aberdeen's green heart. The judges praised the project as a benchmark in public-realm regeneration, demonstrating the power of sensitive, people-centred design to transform a city's sense of place.
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The Herald Scotland
7 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Plan launched to save heritage of Scotland's for-sale churches
However, around one third of the country's places of worship are predicted to shut by the end of this decade – from buildings with their roots in medieval times to modern structures of architectural significance. Now work is to begin to explore practical solutions to avoid the loss of heritage when churches are closed, while sharing resources and prioritising sites for further action. The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and Scotland's Churches Trust have received a £229,015 funding boost to help ensure a sustainable future for Scotland's churches and their contents. St Mary's Parish Church, Whitekirk, East Lothian (Image: Credit - Scotland's Churches Trust) With almost 200 religious buildings already closed since 2020, the two bodies say the problem is an immediate one which constitutes a 'national challenge for the heritage sector' as many of these churches hold tangible and intangible cultural heritage significance. In addition to their religious and ceremonial use, they also possess tangible architectural, historical, archival, genealogical, archaeological and artistic legacies. These can be of local, regional, national, and international importance and may be sold, lost or damaged depending on the fate of the building. The grant, from the National Lottery Heritage Fund will fund the Finding Futures for Scotland's Churches project and will be used to support the collection of information on these heritage buildings. There will also be work to fill knowledge gaps using heritage surveys, with opportunities for local communities to get involved. This information will be made publicly accessible through a dedicated microsite with a regularly updated database and blog. Many churches are repositories of heritage and cultural artifacts in their architecture (Image: Scotland's Churches Trust) The two-year project will draw together people to connect with organisations as part of an action group to explore practical solutions, share resources and prioritise sites for further action. It will also develop a plan to ensure heritage of local and national importance is not lost when churches are re-used or re-purposed. The National Lottery Heritage Fund also brings to the project its own strong record of delivering new futures for Scotland's historic church buildings through previous work. With support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Govan Old church in Glasgow has been transformed into an internationally-significant heritage attraction as the home of the Govan Stones. These Viking-age monuments are said to be among of the best collections of early medieval sculpture anywhere in the British Isles. In the Cairngorms National Park, the Fund is also supporting the community in partnership with Historic Churches Scotland to develop a new role for St Margaret's Church in Braemar as a cultural hub and performance venue through a grant awarded in 2024. St Margaret's is considered the finest Scottish work of celebrated ecclesiastical architect Sir John Ninian Comper. However, with several hundred churches already on the market, there is a national challenge to understand their significance and address their loss as they are bought and repurposed or sink into dilapidation. Govan Hogsback stone (Image: Credit - Peter Devlin) Dr Helen Spencer FSAScot, Head of Research at the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, said: 'Thanks to National Lottery players, the Society will be able to work with communities across the country to bring together crucial information about the heritage of Scotland's churches. 'Working with Scotland's Churches Trust and the many other groups involved in caring for these places of worship, we hope to make the heritage sector much better prepared when churches are closed or re-purposed, to ensure that important treasures are not lost to the nation forever.' Dr DJ Johnston-Smith, Director of Scotland's Churches Trust, added: 'For hundreds of years, communities across Scotland deposited a trove of culturally significant heritage in their local churches all across the country. This collective cultural inheritance needs to be documented before it vanishes from public sight, possibly forever. 'We look forward to working with the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and colleagues to continue the roll out of our Rapid Church Recording methodology and our ongoing collaborative work with the local congregations and communities who are currently writing the next chapters in the stories of these precious historic buildings.' READ MORE: 'Landmark' chapel and cathedral to undergo urgent repairs 'The situation is stark in Scotland': Conference held to equip churches to stay open Government minister sets up meeting over future of Scotland's crumbling churches Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: 'For centuries, churches have been cultural and physical landmarks at the heart of Scottish community life. A meeting place, a repository of lives and histories and a physical link to the intangible heritage of generations. 'We recognise the significant challenges now facing those churches. This project will take a strategic lead in ensuring there is accurate recording of the heritage of individual churches.
Times
15 hours ago
- Times
Scotland wildfires: lives ‘at risk' as crews fight raging fires
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Daily Mail
16 hours ago
- Daily Mail
King Charles appears in high spirits during military parade at Palace of Holyroodhouse - after he was given the keys to Edinburgh in annual Royal Week tradition
The King was greeted with pipes and drums - plus bows and arrows - as he arrived for his traditional official week in Scotland. Charles, 76, was given a Royal Salute and Guard of Honour as he inspected The Royal Company of Archers, The King's Bodyguard for Scotland, at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, which is his official residence in the capital. The ceremony took place on Tuesday morning, shortly after the King and Queen had arrived at the palace in a claret liveried helicopter, one of two new aircrafts acquired by the palace. Each year, the monarch traditionally spends a week based at Holyroodhouse, an event known as Holyrood Week or Royal Week in Scotland. Upon his arrival earlier today, Charles also took part in the Ceremony of the Keys - an official welcome to the Scottish city. The Lord Provost Robert Aldridge presented keys to the city of Edinburgh to the King, who then immediately returned them for 'safe keeping'. The Lord Provost said to the King: 'We, the Lord Provost and the members of the City of Edinburgh Council, welcome Your Majesty to the Capital City of your Ancient and Hereditary Kingdom of Scotland and offer for your gracious acceptance the Keys of Your Majesty's good City of Edinburgh.' The King replied: 'I return these keys, being perfectly convinced that they cannot be placed in better hands than those of the Lord Provost and Councillors of my good City of Edinburgh.' Before the ceremony, the palace's garden was transformed into a parade ground and the King met senior military and uniformed figures. He then received a royal salute and inspected a Guard of Honour of soldiers from the Royal Company of Archers, who serve as the King's ceremonial bodyguard in Scotland - a role first created in 1822 for King George VI. Also lined up was the Palace Guard made up of soldiers from Balaklava Company, 5 Scots, and the High Constables of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Music at the official welcome was provided by The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and Pipes and Drums of 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland. Renditions included 'I'm Gonna Be (500 miles)' by the Scottish duo Proclaimers and 'Counting Stars' by One Republic. The King walked past the Guard of Honour, casting his eye over the service personnel and stopping to talk to some of them, and he also chatted to members of the military bands. Around 250 people were invited as a thank you for their work in the local community to watch the ceremony in the palace garden on July 1. Also in Scotland for Royal Week celebrations is Queen Camilla, who visited Ratho Library on the outskirts of Edinburgh for her first engagement of the day. Britain's King Charles III talks with a Member of Royal Company of Archers during the traditional Ceremony of the Keys in the Gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland on July 1 The royal, who is a passionate advocate for literacy and literature, urged people to 'keep on reading' as she revealed new research showed that just ten minutes a day can reduce stress levels by 20 per cent. Speaking about the research commissioned by her Queen's Reading Room charity, Camilla said: 'Neuroscientists have been looking at the power of reading and it's just been proved that ten minutes a day reduces stress by 20 per cent. 'Just ten minutes. So just keep on reading!' She was speaking as she visited Ratho Library, which has been recently built as part of a nursery and community hub in partnership with the city's International Book Festival and Edinburgh City Libraries. She was met by Sir Ian Rankin, the world-famous crime author who is also Deputy Lieutenant of Edinburgh and supporting a new initiative, Paper Trails, which promotes literature in local communities by collaboration with the mobile library service. Camilla, 77, appeared delighted to meet him again and was shown to the region's motorised service that was a lifeline during COVID. Inside the building itself Camilla, wearing in a smart polka-dotted dress and court shoes, was introduced to a group of youngsters from the Ratho Early Learning and Childcare centre, who come to the library each Tuesday. Bending down to talk to them, the Queen joked: 'Shall I come down here? I may not get back up again, but I will try!' The Reverend Kenneth MacKenzie, from Ballater, Domestic Chaplain to The King and Minister of the Parish of Braemar and Crathie, is made a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order by King Charles III during an investiture ceremony Christopher Stark, from Glasgow, Chief Executive, Climate Change Committee, is made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire by King Charles III during an investiture ceremony at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh. The honour recognises services to tackling climate change She hunkered on her heels, nonetheless. She also spoke to a group of young talent who belong to the library's 'Citizen Collective Young People's Writers Programme'. She told one girl who talked about her plans: 'So the book is still brewing', adding: 'You all throw ideas off one another? So do you share your writing and then critique it?' Another member laughed, saying: 'Supportively!' 'It just gives you so much confidence,' another writer told her of the group. ' Well I shall look out for all your names,' the Queen said, 'I can say I met you at the very early stages of your careers!' At a brief reception she met literary stars including Paul Hawkins, who wrote the hit thriller The Girl On The Train, and lives locally. She told the Queen: 'It's a great place to live for a crime novel, you can imagine terrible things happening!' She said afterwards: 'It's a small local library, rooted in the local community. There have recently been some terrifying statistics about literacy levels falling, so if you can get them young and install that passion in them.. you might not read your whole life but if you get the bug you will always come back to it. The Queen with her Reading Room is doing some wonderful things. ' Before the Queen left, she unveiled a plaque and gave a short off-the-cuff speech, telling guests: 'Visiting this library today has just reinforced my belief in what wonderful places libraries are. From toddlers to pensioners, they manage to inspire a love of reading and books. 'And to actually to see a new library like this, which I am thrilled to be opening today, well I wish more people would follow your example and open more new libraries over the country. I think sadly a lot of them have been closing down and to see something as wonderful as this being re-opened is a credit to all of you who have made it happen. 'Writers, volunteers, backers…everyone who has made it possible. I am so please to have been able to come today. Thank you all of you.' Libraries Manager Hana MacKechnie said of the visit: 'It's really exciting. We are proud to be able to celebrate our achievements with her and show her how much this place is loved and valued.'
