Four dramatically different architectural projects have been selected as finalists for Scotland's most prestigious building award. The shortlist for the Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award includes a restored 16th-century Highland tower, a modern road bridge in Aberdeenshire, a university multi-use facility in Edinburgh, and a major garden regeneration project in Aberdeen.
The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) administers this coveted award, which represents the country's highest architectural honor. The winner will be announced in December following comprehensive site visits by an expert jury comprising architects and designers. The finalists were chosen from the winners of the 2025 RIAS Awards that were announced in June.
Judges will evaluate each project based on four key criteria: architectural integrity, usability and context, delivery and execution, and sustainability. Mary Duggan, chair of the 2025 Doolan Award jury, praised this year's selection process, stating: "This year's rigorous selection process has produced a diverse shortlist of intelligent schemes that not only demonstrate architectural excellence but also engage directly with the shifting political and behavioral circumstances that shape our public life. They reveal how architecture can reinforce, respond to, and even anticipate these changes. I look forward to the upcoming visits and the conversations with my fellow jury members."
Fairburn Tower in Muir of Ord, Highland, represents one of the most remarkable restoration projects on the shortlist. Designed by Simpson Brown, this Category A listed structure dates back to the 16th century with 17th-century additions, making it a rare surviving example of a Scottish Renaissance tower house. The remote building had fallen into serious disrepair and was listed on the Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland before the Landmark Trust recognized its potential for rescue and conversion into a luxury self-catering holiday accommodation.
The restoration required exceptional attention to detail, balancing authentic historical restoration with creative, sustainable retrofitting. The project team faced significant challenges in installing modern amenities such as electrical cabling, plumbing, and bathrooms within the ancient structure, which they overcame through innovative solutions. A standout feature is the Renaissance-style painted ceiling, created through collaboration with artist-craftsman Paul Mowbray, which showcases the project's commitment to historical authenticity.
The Gairnshiel Jubilee Bridge in Glengairn, Aberdeenshire, designed by Moxon Architects, represents modern engineering excellence. This new crossing over the River Gairn was specifically designed to divert traffic away from the nearby Category A-listed Gairnshiel Bridge, which is no longer suitable for contemporary traffic demands. The understated new bridge features slimline, bold geometry that complements rather than competes with the historic structure.
Construction materials were carefully selected to integrate the bridge with its Cairngorms setting, utilizing recycled, locally sourced granite for the parapets and embankments, and weathering steel for the primary structure. This thoughtful approach roots the new bridge firmly within its immediate context while offering a simple yet confident companion to the historic crossing. The project has successfully preserved the original bridge for pedestrian use, safeguarding this heritage asset for future generations.
The Nucleus Building at the University of Edinburgh, designed by Sheppard Robson, serves as the institution's new central hub. This multi-functional facility was conceived as the university's heart, providing a focal point and meeting place for students and staff while integrating teaching, learning, and social environments under one roof. The building accommodates diverse needs, from quiet individual study spaces to vibrant collaborative meeting areas, supporting various methods of studying, teaching, and socializing.
Beyond creating a resilient and responsive learning environment for the world-renowned academic community, the Nucleus Building aims to enhance the broader student and staff experience. The structure represents a thoughtful, enduring, and generous example of civic architecture that establishes a powerful precedent for Scottish university design, demonstrating how educational facilities can adapt to evolving pedagogical approaches.
Union Terrace Gardens in Aberdeen, a collaboration between Stallan-Brand Architecture Design and LDA Design, showcases ambitious public realm regeneration. This beloved and well-known public space has been transformed through extensive landscaping and engineering work, along with the construction of three distinctive lantern-like pavilions housing a café, restaurant, and wine bar. These improvements have successfully revived the space and reclaimed the gardens as the city's green, civic heart.
The regeneration project included significant conservation elements, featuring sensitively restored statues, railings, arcade arches, and subterranean Victorian toilets that have been proudly reinstated and reopened to the public. As a result, Union Terrace Gardens has become a landmark destination that has fundamentally transformed Aberdeen's sense of place and civic identity.
The Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award was established 23 years ago in 2002, taking its name from visionary Scottish architect and developer Andy Doolan, who passionately championed the importance of promoting exceptional design and making architecture accessible to everyone. Following Doolan's death in 2004, the award was created in his memory to identify and celebrate Scotland's best building each year. Past winners include notable structures such as the Scottish Parliament building, demonstrating the award's recognition of both architectural excellence and cultural significance.
