A new design awards scheme for innovative and cutting edge architecture in the Highlands and Islands has attracted over 170 entries and announced The Highland Council as a new sponsor.

Taking its lead from the explosion in interest in modern architecture and design created by recent TV programmes and competitions, the organisers want to recognise and celebrate local projects that express Highlands and Islands identity and culture.

The Inverness Architectural Association (IAA) set up the awards, which were launched by the Right Honourable Charles Kennedy MP 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 balustrades 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. 

The Council’s Planning Environment and Development Committee agreed to sponsor the Awards Scheme at its meeting on 28 May.

Chairman, Councillor Drew Hendry, said “To ensure that Highlands is 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.”

“I am looking forward to the six local events throughout the highlands and Islands and to the open award for the best building. This is one of a number of initiatives that the council will be promoting to improve the quality of all types of development in the Highland”.

There will be six local awards events, covering the following areas (the first is in Moray on w/c 2^nd June):

-Moray;

-Highland Central;

-Orkney and Shetland;

-Highland West;

-Highland North;

-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.

Award categories are:

-          New building – domestic / public / commercial / communit

-          New life for old buildings

-          Details – internal spaces

-          Place making – external spaces / relationship with context

-          Lost opportunities

-          Best building in the Highlands and Islands

-          Best use of timber

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