The Bernat Klein Studio Coalition – comprising Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT), the Bernat Klein Foundation and National Trust for Scotland – is the only Scottish heritage organisation shortlisted in the Partnership of the Year category, and one of only a small number of Scottish organisations shortlisted across the awards as a whole.

Completed in 1972 to designs by architect Peter Womersley, the Bernat Klein Studio near Selkirk is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of modernist architecture in Scotland.

After more than 20 years on the Buildings at Risk Register, the Studio was offered for sale by auction in July 2025 with a guide price of just £18,000, leading to fears it could be lost to the nation forever.

The coalition’s successful bid to secure the Studio’s future was made with the financial support of National Trust for Scotland along with the determined backing of hundreds of contributors to SHBT’s crowdfunding campaign which raised over £30,000 in less than a week.

SHBT is leading the restoration as Scotland’s national building preservation trust, with the Bernat Klein Studio Coalition working in partnership to secure the building’s long-term future and open it to the public for the first time.

The first phase of the of the project, which will investigate the structural condition of the building and take action to stabilise it, is supported by £245,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Dr Samuel Gallacher, SHBT’s director, said: “The future of the Bernat Klein Studio had, until recently, remained uncertain precisely because its conservation requires more than a conventional approach.

“SHBT working with National Trust for Scotland and the Bernat Klein Foundation allows us to combine a breadth of knowledge and experience of historic building and landscape restoration, public engagement, creative programming and of course a deep understanding and appreciation of both Klein’s and Womersley’s legacies, creating the conditions for a sustainable cultural future for the building, embedded in community.

“The sector often speaks about partnership, but genuine partnership is hard to achieve. Ours is a genuine sharing of ideas, bringing together the best of every organisation.”

Philip Long OBE, chief executive, National Trust for Scotland, said: “The Coalition has been working behind the scenes for several years to save this outstanding example of modernist architecture.

“Through our partnership, we can be confident that this significant building, its stories and its place within Scotland’s heritage will be protected for generations to come, and we very much welcome this recognition of our efforts from within the sector.”

Professor Alison Harley, founding trustee and chair of Bernat Klein Foundation, said: “Being shortlisted for this prestigious award is great news as it recognises the genuine meeting of minds and collaborative work that has taken place to secure the purchase and begin the restoration for Bernat Klein’s Studio.

“The Bernat Klein Foundation could not wish for better partners – we are all bringing skills and expertise to restore this significant modernist building and working studio back to its former glory and provide something very special for Scotland and its creative industries.”

The Museums + Heritage Awards received a record number of entries this year. Winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Hilton Park Lane, London, on Wednesday, 13 May 2026.