Engineering and project management firm AtkinsRéalis secured the prestigious Consultancy of the Year award for an unprecedented sixth time. The accolade recognises the firm’s delivery of inspiring, sustainable, and future-proofed learning environments.

Currently managing more than 110 active school projects, AtkinsRéalis is delivering over 40% of Scotland’s LEIP-funded schools across nine local authorities, improving conditions for more than 23,000 pupils and staff.

The consultancy also works with 15 higher education providers, including the University of Glasgow, where it led the refurbishment of the Gilbert Scott Building.

The award follows similar successes this year at the Education Building Wales Awards and the Education Estates Awards in England.

Regional managing director Kirsty Whitfield said: “To win Consultancy of the Year for a sixth time is remarkable and demonstrates not only our ability to provide inspiring places to learn, but also the strength of our relationships with clients who enable us to deliver their vision.”

Public sector development partner Hub South East celebrated three major wins, recognising projects delivered for West Lothian and Midlothian councils.

Beatlie School Campus: Winner of the new Creating Space for Outdoor Learning and Play category. The ASN school for young people with severe and complex needs was praised for its inclusive outdoor environment.

East Calder Primary School: Awarded Project of the Year, with its striking triangular design and ultra-low energy performance equivalent to Passivhaus standards.

Easthouses Primary School: Joint winner of Inspiring Learning Spaces. Delivered as a pilot project for Midlothian Council, it sets a new benchmark for primary school design and construction.

Hub South East chief executive Paul McGirk said the awards reflected “true partnership working, innovative design, quality construction and ultimately positive outcomes for young people”.

Local authority leaders also welcomed the recognition. West Lothian’s Councillor Andrew McGuire praised the investment in “innovative schools” while Midlothian’s Councillor Ellen Scott hailed Easthouses Primary as “already making a real difference for pupils and the wider community.”

Construction specialist Clark Contracts was awarded Refurbishment of the Year for its transformation of the historic Mathematics and Statistics Building at the University of Glasgow.

The project created modern workspaces while incorporating striking mathematical façade graphics to reflect the academic excellence within.

Delivered in collaboration with Gleeds, JM Architects, Brown + Wallace, RSP Consulting Engineers and Fairhurst, the refurbishment was praised for combining heritage sensitivity with contemporary design.

Clark Contracts was also shortlisted in multiple categories, including Contractor of the Year and Innovation in Delivering a Sustainable Learning Space.

Director Gerry Cummins said: “To have our project awarded ‘Refurbishment of the Year’, and to have seven other projects shortlisted across the categories, is a fantastic achievement. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the University of Glasgow and delivering further inspiring spaces.”