Castle project shortlisted in national architecture awards
February 27, 2026
A project to restore and repair parts of one of Midlothian’s most historic buildings has been shortlisted in Scotland’s national architecture awards.
The work to the East Range of Rosslyn Castle is one of 14 projects across the country to be shortlisted by The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) for the 2026 RIAS Awards.
As a result of the project, Rosslyn Castle’s East Range now has a permanent roof over the Great Hall and Tower, for the first time since 1650, protecting important masonry carvings, and the three levels of vaults below ground level. The building, which dates back to 1622, is also now Net Zero ready, as the heating and hot water are provided by six air source heat pumps, removing the need for traditional fossil fuels. The heat pumps are situated in the Castle vaults, which date from the 1580s, and it is believed that Rosslyn Castle may be one of the oldest buildings in the world to adopt air source heat pumps. The major project was undertaken and funded by Rosslyn Chapel Trust and was completed in autumn 2024.
Rosslyn Castle, which is in the care of Rosslyn Chapel Trust, is category A-listed, recognising its architectural and historic character, and its grounds are designated as a Scheduled Monument. The Castle’s East Range provides self-catering holiday accommodation through a partnership with the Landmark Trust.
Ian Gardner, Director of Rosslyn Chapel Trust, said: ‘It’s wonderful to see our major project at Rosslyn Castle shortlisted in these prestigious awards. The scope and quality of the work have transformed the experience for guests staying there and ensure that this important building will be appreciated by future generations.’
The project architects were Page\Park and the main contractor for the work was John Dennis & Company (Scotland) Ltd.
Jonathan Walsh of Page\Park said: ‘It’s a fantastic achievement to see Rosslyn Castle shortlisted for the RIAS Awards, which celebrate the very best in Scottish architecture. We are proud to have supported the Rosslyn Chapel Trust in the careful conservation of one of
Midlothian’s most historically significant sites. The project provides also provides a uniquely sustainable future for the 17th century building through the introduction of a new low-carbon heating system, making the castle net zero ready while safeguarding its historic character.’
The 14 projects on the shortlist will now each be visited by the 2026 RIAS Awards jury and the winners will be announced at the end of May. As in previous years, the winning projects will also make up the ‘longlist’ for the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award – the pinnacle of the RIAS awards programme. Recipients of the 2026 RIAS Awards are also eligible for recognition in the current Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Awards.
Tamsie Thomson, chief executive of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, said: ‘Our judges have their work cut out to select the 2026 RIAS Awards winners from such an exceptional shortlist. Visiting shortlisted projects with the judges is always one of the highlights of my year and is a thrilling reminder of the talent and skill shown by architects in every corner of the country.’
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