AN open air pool pavilion in Aberdeenshire, new facilities at the University of Edinburgh, and a public library in Paisley have been shortlisted for the 2026 RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award.
All three projects are said to represent the imaginative re-use and restoration of existing, historic buildings, demonstrating how architects can bring new life to existing places through a ‘thoughtful, sustainable and inclusive’ approach to design.
The three shortlisted projects for the 2026 RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award are:
Edinburgh Futures Institute, Edinburgh by Bennetts Associates
Bennetts’ repair and remodelling of an A-listed Victorian hospital creates new facilities for the University of Edinburgh, including a 450-seat auditorium, teaching and social spaces, and a new public square. With widened circulation spines and ‘dynamic’ staircases, the interiors are described as ‘flexible, functional, full of movement and rich in materiality’. Judges said the project ‘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’.
Paisley Central Library, Paisley by Collective Architecture
This project brings a dilapidated historic building back into use as a new central library for Renfrewshire Council. The building has been structurally upgraded to create a community-oriented destination that meets local needs and uses light and views to provide a ‘calm and welcoming’ environment. The judges were impressed by the building’s ability to ‘integrate into its street setting in a distinctly modern, confident yet quiet way’ noting that the project shows ‘how underused high street buildings can be revitalized into inspirational spaces for learning and connection’.
Tarlair Outdoor Pool Pavilion, Macduff by Studio Octopi
When first built in 1934, Tarlair Outdoor Pool in Aberdeenshire was one of the first Art Deco structures and one of the largest outdoor pools in Scotland. Studio Octopi’s restoration of the Tea Pavilion is part of a wider programme to bring the pools fully back to use. The judges described this as ‘a magical project, a phenomenal client, a fantastic collaboration’ that demonstrates how ‘sensitive design can revive a historic site while embracing contemporary use’.
The annual RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award was established in 2002. It is named in memory of its founder Andy Doolan, who passionately believed in the importance of promoting great design and making architecture accessible to everyone.
The winner will be announced on 26 November.
Libby Heathcote, RIAS president and awards judge, said, “It was an honour to be able to join my fellow jurors in selecting this year’s Doolan Award shortlist. This was a real challenge given the exceptional calibre and wide variety of eligible schemes. The three chosen projects are testament to the quality, innovation, and rich diversity of building design in Scotland. All three tap into important, current conversations around community, collaboration, retrofit and reuse across three very different contexts.”
For anyone keen to find out more about this year’s Doolan Award, the RIAS is hosting a live discussion with the three shortlisted practices, chaired by Libby Heathcote. Open to all, this in-person event will take a deeper look at the projects, exploring what makes them stand out, the ideas behind their design, and what they tell us about the future of Scottish architecture. Taking place from 5.30pm on Thursday 8 October, the event forms part of Architecture & Design Scotland’s collaboration with SpACE at Edinburgh Futures Institute, and will include an opportunity to meet the shortlisted practices. Find out more here.
