The three buildings represent a creative re-use and restoration of historic buildings, signifying how new life can be brought to places and buildings through designs that have employed a lot of thought, inclusivity and sustainability. 

This year, the three shortlisted buildings are all open to the public. 

The three shortlisted projects are: 

Edinburgh Futures Institute by Bennetts Associates

The repair and remodelling of the Category A listed Victorian hospital has seen the delivery of new facilities for the University of Edinburgh. The facilities include a 450-seat auditorium, teaching and social areas, as well as a new public square. 

The interiors have also presented a flexible and functional quality. In discussing Edinburgh Futures Institute, the judges said Bennetts Associates’ work  “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 by Collective Architecture

This Paisley project has brought a run-down historic building back into use, which serves the purpose of a new central library for Renfrewshire Council. The building underwent a structural upgrade to deliver a sustainable, community-focused space that satisfies local needs and employs light and views to facilitate a harmonious atmosphere. 

The judges commended the building’s capacity to “integrate into its street setting in a distinctly modern, confident yet quiet way.”

The judges also said that the project signifies “how underused high street buildings can be revitalized into inspirational spaces for learning and connection.”

Tarlair Outdoor Pool Pavilion by Studio Octopi

Originally built in 1934, Tarlair Outdoor Pool in Aberdeenshire was one of the first Art Deco structures to be built, and one of Scotland’s biggest outdoor pools. 

Studio Octopi’s restoration of the Tea Pavilion in Macduff forms part of a bigger initiative to bring the pools back into use. 

Judges described the restoration as “a magical project, a phenomenal client, a fantastic collaboration.” 

The judges also described it as an indicator of how “sensitive design can revive a historic site while embracing contemporary use.”

Established in 2002, the annual RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building is named in memory of its founder Andy Doolan, a Scottish architect and designer who believed in the significance of championing high-quality design and making architecture accessible to all. 

Every type of new or retrofitted building in Scotland is eligible, with the shortlist being drawn from this year’s RIAS Awards winners. 

This year’s Doolan Award jury consisted of Libby Heathcote PRIAS (President, Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland), Elizabeth Smith (chairman, Purcell) and Kenny Kemp (editor, The Business).

On 26 November, this year’s RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award winner will be announced. 

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 a testament to the quality, innovation, and rich diversity of building design in Scotland.”

Heathcote added: “All three tap into important, current conversations around community, collaboration, retrofit and reuse across three very different contexts.”

Looking ahead, the RIAS will be hosting “The 2026 Doolan Award Shortlist: In Conversation” on 8 October. Chaired by Heathcote, this is a live discussion with the three shortlisted practices.

The in-person event will look into the projects that are in the running to be named the 2026 best building in Scotland, discussing what makes them unique, the ideas behind their design, and what they indicate about Scottish architecture’s future. 

Kicking off at 5.30 pm, the event is part of Architecture & Design Scotland’s collaboration with SpACE at Edinburgh Futures Institute, in which there will be the opportunity to meet with the shortlisted practices. More details can be found here.