Search for Orkney’s best buildings draws to a close

Organisers of the search for inspirational buildings in Orkney are reminding architects and designers that this is their last chance to get involved.

Entries to the Highlands and Islands Design Awards, organised by the Inverness Architectural Association (IAA), must be in by Friday, April 25.

And the organisers have reiterated that the awards do not just focus on new buildings, with judges also looking for examples of restored buildings, external spaces and innovation within the industry.

IAA president Peter McIlhenny said: “Good architecture and design enhances all sorts of projects regardless of size or budget and the Highlands and Islands are home to some fantastic examples.”

The awards feature a range of categories and include prizes for best new building, best restoration project and the best or most innovative use of timber. Projects must have been completed within the period January 2012 to January 2014.

Past winners of the awards include Orkney Architects’ Rutas House in Stromness, and the Pier Arts Centre also in Stromness, designed by Reiach and Hall, which scooped the best building in the Highlands and Islands in the inaugural awards in 2008.

More details about how to enter are available at www.highlandarchitects.org/2014-awards.htm.