East Renfrewshire Council has announced that Maidenhill Primary School has been named as one of the winners in a prestigious national architecture awards.

The school in Newton Mearns is one of 14 outstanding new Scottish buildings to be recognised as a winner of Scotland's national architecture awards by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS).

The RIAS Awards demonstrate the quality and breadth of architectural endeavour in Scotland. All types and sizes of architectural projects can win a RIAS Award, with buildings assessed by an expert panel who look at each project's architectural integrity, usability and context, delivery and execution, and sustainability.

The £15m Maidenhill Primary School and Nursery Class opened its doors in August 2019 and is already much-loved by all pupils, staff, parents and wider school community.


Designed by architects BDP, the school provides a variety of flexible spaces for learning arranged around a spectacular central atrium 'heart' and also includes a 120 place nursery.

Councillor Alan Lafferty, Convener for Education and Equalities, said: "We are committed to providing the very best learning environments for all of our children and young people. I'm delighted that the fantastic Maidenhill Primary has been recognised in these prestigious awards, highlighting the quality facility which has been delivered for this exciting new school community."

Lindsey Mitchell, Architect Director at BDP, added: "BDP is delighted to receive a RIAS Award for this exemplary new learning environment. Working collaboratively with East Renfrewshire Council and the Project Team, we achieved the best possible outcome for the Maidenhill community. This new school provides an agile learning environment with a high quality setting that supports every child to achieve their potential."

Other RIAS Awards 2021 winners include a new training centre for Scotland's sporting champions, a temporary museum housing a Charles Rennie Mackintosh masterpiece, and a moveable microhome on the Isle of Skye.

The winners of the RIAS Awards now become the 'longlist' for the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award. The shortlist for the 2021 Andrew Doolan Award will be announced on 30 September, with the winner announced on 30 November.