Eleven striking structures, including a pink castle, a stone-clad island retreat, and a state-of-the-art prison, have made it to Scotland’s most prestigious architecture list for 2025.
The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) announced the winners of its annual awards this week. The selected buildings now form the longlist for the coveted Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland award. From Loch Ness to the Isle of Harris, and even into the heart of Scotland’s correctional system, the projects show the country’s architectural scene is as diverse as ever.
Castles Reborn: From Romantic Ruins to Award Contenders
They were once crumbling relics. Now, they’re architectural masterpieces.
Aldourie Castle, nestled beside Loch Ness, has undergone a transformation that took five years and an extraordinary level of craftsmanship. Designed by Ptolemy Dean Architects, the Category A-listed building isn’t just a restored castle. It’s part of a vast rejuvenation project that included farm buildings, a new energy centre, and even a quaint pedestrian bridge.
The judges didn’t hold back. They said the project reconnected the estate to its romantic setting and restored the “spirit of the place.”
Then there’s Fairburn Tower. The salmon-pink tower, perched near Muir of Ord and surrounded by greenery, is impossible to ignore. Its vivid colour might split opinions, but there’s no denying the elegance of the restoration.
This isn’t just about turrets and old stone though. Both projects marry tradition with sustainable modern elements, setting a new standard for heritage renewal.
From Stone to Spirit: Hebridean Simplicity Wins Hearts
It looks like it grew out of the land itself.
Caoghan na Creige on the Isle of Harris is the kind of building you almost miss — not because it’s forgettable, but because it fits the rugged landscape so well. Designed by Izat Arundell, the home echoes the design of a traditional blackhouse while embracing modern architecture with expansive windows and minimal fuss.
This isn’t flashy. It’s quiet. And that’s why it stands out.
One judge described it as “a testament to patience, skill, and a deep respect for place.” It doesn’t just sit on the land. It belongs to it.
In a world that’s often obsessed with scale and spectacle, Caoghan na Creige offers something else: peace.
Whisky, Bridges and Bars: The Other Big Winners
It wasn’t just castles and coastal homes catching attention.
Among the 11 buildings honoured this year:
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A new whisky distillery that combines tradition and sleek, contemporary design.
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A major road bridge project praised for engineering ingenuity and visual impact.
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HMP Stirling, Scotland’s newest prison and young offenders institution, which has been recognised not just for functionality but its sensitive design and humane spaces.
Yes, even a prison can win architectural awards.
HMP Stirling has surprised many. With landscaped courtyards, access to natural light, and thoughtful materials, it reflects a growing movement in correctional design — one that values dignity and rehabilitation over harsh isolation.
Here’s how the top recognitions break down:
| Project Name | Location | Architect | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aldourie Castle | Loch Ness | Ptolemy Dean Architects | Romantic estate-wide restoration |
| Fairburn Tower | Muir of Ord | Landmark Trust | Striking pink tower restored to glory |
| Caoghan na Creige | Isle of Harris | Izat Arundell | Modern take on traditional blackhouse |
| HMP Stirling | Stirling | Holmes Miller | Human-centred prison design |
| Isle of Islay Distillery | Isle of Islay | Unknown | Merges whisky tradition with modernism |
Each project brings something very different to the table. That’s part of the charm — and challenge — of judging a competition like this.
What Happens Next? A High-Stakes Shortlist
These 11 winners now advance to the next round.
They form the longlist for the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland award — the architectural equivalent of the Booker Prize. The shortlist will be revealed in July, with the final winner announced in November.
No pressure, right?
The Doolan award is not just a feather in the cap. It brings national attention, professional kudos, and often, a significant boost for the architects involved.
But picking a winner won’t be easy. Are the judges swayed by quiet beauty, like on the Isle of Harris? Or do they lean into heritage grandeur, like Aldourie Castle?
Or maybe, just maybe, a whisky distillery or a socially-conscious prison will claim the crown this year.
A Changing Conversation Around Design in Scotland
One thing is clear: the definition of great architecture is shifting.
It’s not just about looking good. It’s about feeling right. And that means asking questions.
Is this building kind? Does it respect the past? Can it help people live — or even heal — better?
There’s a quiet revolution happening in Scotland’s design scene. And it’s not being led by skyscrapers or flashy tech campuses. It’s being led by old stone, gentle lines, and places that make people feel something.
Buildings like these don’t scream. They whisper.
