Burgh Halls in line for architecture design prize

THE newly-refurbished Linlithgow Burgh Halls is in the running for a top design award.

The historic building has made the shortlist of this year’s Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award.

Past winners of the £25,000 prize, organised by the RIAS, include Archial architects’ Small Animal Hospital (2009) and Elder and Cannon’s Shettleston Housing Association offices (2010), both in Glasgow.

West Lothian’s executive councillor for culture and leisure, Jim Walker, said: “It is fantastic that Linlithgow Burgh Halls has been shortlisted in this prestigious competition.

“We think that the redevelopment has created a stunning building for celebrations, weddings and conferences, art exhibitions, community and education events, and a relaxing cafe and gardens.”

RIAS secretary and treasurer Neil Baxter added: “The names may not be as well known as those that recur in other major architectural awards, but there is no question that there is as much thought and ingenuity in these Scottish projects as there is in the best European architecture.”