A project at Rosslyn Castle to restore and repair parts of the historic building 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.
The 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 which lie below ground level.
Rosslyn Chapel Trust also say that the building, which dates back to 1622, is now Net Zero ready. As part of the project, the heating and hot water are now provided by six air source heat pumps. This means that any reliance on traditional fossil fuels has been ended.
The heat pumps are installed in the Castle vaults, which date from the 1580s, and it is thought 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.
A-listed Rosslyn Castle, is in the care of Rosslyn Chapel Trust, and is noted for its architectural and historic character. The surrounding gardens 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.”
