Four distinctive architectural projects have been selected as finalists for the Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award, one of the country's most prestigious architecture prizes. The diverse shortlist includes a restored 16th-century tower house, a modern bridge designed to blend with the Cairngorms landscape, a university hub building, and transformed Victorian gardens in Aberdeen.

Run by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS), the award is considered Scotland's leading architectural honor. This year's finalists were chosen from the winners of the 2025 RIAS Awards, which were announced earlier in the summer. The winner will be revealed in December after an expert jury visits each of the four contending projects.

Entries are evaluated based on several criteria including architectural integrity, usability, context, delivery, execution, and sustainability. Mary Duggan, chair of the 2025 jury, praised the variety of projects under consideration. "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," she said. "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."

The first finalist is Fairburn Tower, located near Muir of Ord in the Highlands. Built in the 16th century and extended in the 17th, this structure represents one of the few surviving tower houses from the Scottish Renaissance period. The Category A listed building had fallen into ruin and was once included on Scotland's Buildings at Risk Register before the Landmark Trust spearheaded its revival.

Simpson & Brown oversaw a careful restoration that balanced historical authenticity with creative retrofitting, converting the tower into a self-catering holiday rental. The project faced significant challenges, including installing modern utilities within the fragile historic structure. A particularly noteworthy feature is the Renaissance-style painted ceiling, which was produced in collaboration with artist-craftsman Paul Mowbray.

The second finalist is the new Gairnshiel Jubilee Bridge near Glengairn in Aberdeenshire. Designed by Moxon Architects, this bridge was constructed to divert modern traffic away from the neighboring 18th-century Gairnshiel Bridge, which could no longer handle current traffic demands. The new structure features deliberately understated design with slim, bold geometry.

Built using recycled granite for the parapets and weathering steel for the frame, the bridge seamlessly blends into the surrounding Cairngorms landscape. The construction of the new bridge has allowed the original historic crossing to be reserved exclusively for pedestrians, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

The third finalist is the Nucleus Building at the University of Edinburgh, designed by Sheppard Robson. This development was conceived as a central hub for the university, bringing together teaching, study, and social spaces to provide a resilient and responsive environment for both staff and students. The building features a thoughtful mix of quiet areas and vibrant communal zones, designed to foster collaboration while also supporting independent work.

Judges described the Nucleus Building as "a generous and enduring example of civic architecture that sets a new standard for Scottish university campuses." The structure serves as a model for how educational facilities can adapt to changing needs while maintaining architectural excellence.

The fourth and final project is the transformation of Union Terrace Gardens in Aberdeen. This redevelopment has re-established the Victorian green space as a civic focal point for the city. Stallan-Brand Architecture & Design and LDA Design oversaw the comprehensive redevelopment, which included extensive landscaping, engineering works, and the creation of three new pavilion buildings that house hospitality venues.

The project carefully restored historic features including statues, arcade arches, railings, and even the subterranean Victorian toilets. Modern interventions have been thoughtfully integrated to reinvigorate the gardens as a cultural landmark while preserving their historical character.

The Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award was established in 2002 by the late Andy Doolan, a developer and champion of architectural excellence. Doolan, who died in 2004, believed strongly in making great design accessible to all members of the public. Past winners of this prestigious award have included notable projects such as the Scottish Parliament building, and the award continues to recognize projects that successfully combine innovation with a strong sense of place and community connection.