Council supports major new design awards for Highlands and Islands

The Highland Council is sponsoring a new design awards scheme for innovative and cutting edge architecture in the Highlands and Islands which has attracted over 170 entries.

The Inverness Architectural Association (IAA) set up the awards, which were launched at the new Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre in March.

Entries are from across the region and range from large scale housing developments to the detailing on stair ballistrades and fences. These include high impact and in some case controversial public buildings and projects. Over 10% of the entries, 20 submissions were in Gaelic.

Fergus Bruce, IAA Awards Co-ordinator said: “The IAA is absolutely delighted to have received such a hugely encouraging response. The belief and enthusiasm of Highlands and Island architects for the awards project, and their pride in the work they are producing in often very challenging and sensitive rural environments has been imperative to the success of the awards.

“The diversity and character of the submissions bears testament to the architectural talent that is available in every corner of the Highlands and Islands; from Strathspey and Badenoch in the south to Shetland in the north. We are also particularly pleased to have received so many entries in Gaelic.”
The Highland Council joins The Forestry Commission (Scotland), Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and RIAS as major sponsors of the awards. The Council will be supporting the scheme both as a partner across the entire Highlands and Islands, and more specifically in the local award rounds that are taking place in its administrative area. 

Councillor Drew Hendry Chairman of The Highland Council’s Planning Environment and Development Committee said: “To ensure that the Highlands continue to be an attractive place to live and work we need to focus on and improve the quality of design of new buildings and development throughout the Highlands. We are therefore particularly pleased to sponsor the Awards Scheme which shall raise public awareness of good design and acknowledge quality buildings.”

There will be six local awards events, covering the areas of Moray; Highland Central; Orkney and Shetland; Highland West; Highland North; and the Western Isles. An overall regional awards ceremony for the Highlands and Islands will follow these and take place on 14 November 2008 at the Eden Court Theatre, Inverness.

Entries are now closed for the award and more information can be found at www.highlandarchitects.org