A converted Victorian hospital in Edinburgh is one of three reuse projects shortlisted for the 2026 RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland award.

Bennetts Associates transformed the Category A-listed former hospital into the Edinburgh Futures Institute, which now houses teaching and social facilities for the University of Edinburgh, including a 450-seat auditorium.

It competes for the title against a restored Art Deco pool pavilion in Aberdeenshire by Studio Octopi and a public library in a dilapidated town-centre building in Paisley by Collective Architecture.

The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) has awarded the prize annually since 2002. This year marks the first time the entire shortlist consists of adaptive reuse and restoration projects.

RIAS said the shortlist represents "imaginative reuse and restoration of existing, historic buildings, demonstrating how architects can bring new life to existing buildings and places through a thoughtful, sustainable and inclusive approach to design".

"All three tap into important, current conversations around community, collaboration, retrofit and reuse across three very different contexts," said RIAS president Libby Heathcote.

The shortlisted projects

The Edinburgh Futures Institute occupies the former hospital building in the Scottish capital. The jury shortlisted it in recognition of how its architect "preserved the integrity of the historic building yet created a modern, welcoming, clever, and stimulating place that people want to work in and return to".

The Paisley Central Library by Collective Architecture was selected for demonstrating "how underused high street buildings can be revitalised into inspirational spaces for learning and connection". The project converted a dilapidated building in Paisley's town centre into a community space that feels both contemporary and part of the urban fabric.

The third contender, the Tarlair Outdoor Pool Pavilion, is an existing Art Deco structure in Aberdeenshire faithfully restored by Studio Octopi. The practice designed the restoration as part of a wider project focused on bringing the outdoor pools back to life. The jury hailed it for showing how "sensitive design can revive a historic site while embracing contemporary use".

The jury and what comes next

The 2026 jury consisted of president Heathcote, Purcell chairman Elizabeth Smith and The Business editor Kenny Kemp.

RIAS will host a live discussion on 8 October with the three shortlisted practices for "a deeper look at the projects that are in the running". The winner will be announced on 26 November.

Last year's award went to John McAslan + Partners for its restoration of the Burrell Collection museum in Glasgow. Previous winners include a remote house by Ann Nisbet Studio and a small office and cafe by Moxon Architects.

If the pattern holds, the 2026 shortlist signals that Scotland's most visible architecture prize has firmly aligned itself with retrofit over new build.