The 2008 shortlist for the UK's richest architectural prize - The RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award - has been announced.

From 29 submissions which ranged from the Borders to the Isle of Lewis the judges, chaired by Professor Andrew MacMillan, have shortlisted eleven projects. The shortlisted projects represent a comprehensive range of building types and include two restoration projects and buildings within both urban and landscape settings.

The shortlist is:

• Tigh Na Dobhran (single family dwelling), Argyll by Studio KAP
• Dawyck Gateway Visitor Centre, Dawyck by Simpson & Brown Architects
• Todlaw Supported Housing, Duns by Oliver Chapman Architects
• Quartermile Development, Edinburgh by Foster + Partners
• Telford Drive (housing development), Edinburgh by GM + AD Architects
• Potterrow, Edinburgh by Bennetts Associates
• Castlemilk House Stables Block, Glasgow by Elder & Cannon Architects
• Jordanhill School New Teaching Block, Glasgow by Elder & Cannon Architects
• Heart of Hawick, Hawick by Gray, Marshall & Associates
• Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre, Inverness by Gareth Hoskins Architects Ltd
• Eden Court Theatre (refurbishment), Inverness by Page\ Park

RIAS President, Arnie Dunn, is serving on the judging panel along with Marjorie Appleton FRIAS, Andy Burrell ARIAS and Alan Jones, Senior Teaching Fellow & Director of Education (Architecture) SPACE Queen's University, Belfast.


The President commented: "Shortlisting eleven out of this year's varied and excellent submissions was no easy task. It has already been noted that Scotland is enjoying a creative renaissance and that is undoubtedly true of its architecture.

"This year's entries range throughout the length and breadth of Scotland and our shortlist reflects the high standards which are being achieved in every contemporary building type and in restoration.

"Selecting just one winner will challenge our judging panel, all of whom will be visiting all of the shortlisted schemes. I am confident that we will be making an award which respects the belief of the late Andy Doolan that Scotland's uniqueness is reflected in very special architecture and the confidence of Scotland's Government which has also given generous support to this, the premier, Scottish architectural prize."

Scotland’s Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture Linda Fabiani commented: "The shortlist demonstrates how architecture has an impact on our lives wherever we are and whatever we are doing. There are social and private housing projects, public and private sector developments, and a pleasingly broad geographical spread. Scottish architects are playing an important role in improving the quality of our lives."

(GK/JM)