Building reuse defines shortlist for Scotland's best building

The conversion of a Victorian hospital is one of three reuse projects that make up the shortlist for the 2026 RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland award. Designed by Bennetts Associates, the former hospital building now houses a mix of teaching spaces for the University of Edinburgh, including a 450-seat auditorium. It is vying for the title of Scotland's best new building alongside a restored pool pavilion in Aberdeenshire by Studio Octopi and a public library housed in a dilapidated building in Paisley by Collective Architecture. A converted hospital is up for the 2026 RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland award The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) has awarded the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award annually since 2002. RIAS said this year's shortlist represents "imaginative reuse and restoration of existing, historic buildings, demonstrating how architects can bring new life to existing buildings and places through a thoughtful, sustainable and inclusive approach to design". "All three tap into important, current conversations around community, collaboration, retrofit and reuse across three very different contexts," said RIAS president Libby Heathcote. It was transformed into teaching spaces for the University of Edinburgh Located in the Scottish capital, the Edinburgh Futures Institute by Bennetts Associates houses teaching and social facilities for the University of Edinburgh within a Category A-listed Victorian hospital. The jury said it was shortlisted in recognition of how its architect "preserved the integrity of the historic building yet created a modern, welcoming, clever, and stimulating place that people want to work in and return to". The Paisley Central Library by Collective Architecture was selected for demonstrating "how underused high street buildings can be revitalised into inspirational spaces for learning and connection". It involved converting a dilapidated building in Paisley's town centre into a welcoming community space that feels both contemporary and a part of the urban fabric. A public library is also vying for the award The final project is the Tarlair Outdoor Pool Pavilion – an existing Art Deco structure in Aberdeenshire faithfully restored by Studio Octopi. It was designed as part of a wider project focused on breathing life back into the outdoor pools and hailed by the jury for showing how "sensitive design can revive a historic site while embracing contemporary use”. The library occupies a dilapidated building in Paisley This year's jury for the 2026 RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland award consisted of president Heathcote alongside Purcell chairman Elizabeth Smith and The Business editor Kenny Kemp. The winner will be announced on 26 November. In the lead-up to the event, RIAS is hosting a live discussion on 8 October with the three shortlisted practices for "a deeper look at the projects that are in the running". The third project is a restored pool pavilion in Aberdeenshire Last year's award was given to John McAslan + Partners for its restoration of the Burrell Collection museum in Glasgow. Previous winners include a remote house by Ann Nisbet Studio and a small office and cafe by Moxon Architects. Subscribe to our newsletters Your email address New! Dezeen Agenda US Sent on alternate Fridays, this US edition of Dezeen Agenda is a fortnightly newsletter rounding up everything you need to know from America, featuring news, projects and interviews with industry figures. Plus occasional updates and invitations to Dezeen events. New! Dezeen Showroom New Releases A quarterly newsletter rounding up a selection of recently launched products by designers and studios, published on Dezeen Showroom. Dezeen Debate Our most popular newsletter, formerly known as Dezeen Weekly, is sent every Tuesday and features a selection of the best reader comments and most talked-about stories. Plus occasional updates on Dezeen’s services and breaking news. Dezeen Agenda Sent every Thursday and containing a selection of the most important news highlights. Plus occasional updates on Dezeen’s services and invitations to Dezeen events. Dezeen Daily A daily newsletter containing the latest stories from Dezeen. Dezeen In Depth Sent on the last Friday of every month, Dezeen in Depth features original feature articles, interviews and opinion pieces that delve deeper into the major stories shaping architecture and design. Dezeen Jobs Daily updates on the latest design and architecture vacancies advertised on Dezeen Jobs. Plus occasional news. Dezeen Jobs Weekly Weekly updates on the latest design and architecture vacancies advertised on Dezeen Jobs. Plus occasional news. Dezeen Awards News about our Dezeen Awards programme, including entry deadlines and announcements. Plus occasional updates. Dezeen Events Guide News from Dezeen Events Guide, a listings guide covering the leading design-related events taking place around the world. Plus occasional updates and invitations to Dezeen events. Dezeen Awards China News about our Dezeen Awards China programme, including entry deadlines and announcements. Plus occasional updates. We will only use your email address to send you the newsletters you have requested. We will never give your details to anyone else without your consent. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of every email, or by emailing us at [email protected]. For more details, please see our privacy notice. Thank you! You will shortly receive a welcome email so please check your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of every newsletter.