Revamped Burrell Collection named Scotland’s best building

The Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland award was first set up in 2004 in memory of an Edinburgh-based architect and developer.

But 20 years on, his family are unable to continue providing a cash prize. RIAS, which administers the award, hopes to find a new sponsor.

In the meantime, John McAslan is proud to accept the honour of the Burrell being named Best Building of the Year.

“The cash isn’t really relevant,” he said.

“It’s the title of building of the year that’s important and if it stimulates debate especially about repurposing buildings, that’s important. And not just cultural spaces, what about tower blocks and other buildings? Why demolish, when you could give them a new life.”

Another smaller example of his passion for repurposing buildings is Dunoon Burgh Hall.

He, his wife and the community raised the funds needed to restore the derelict 19th century space into a community arts centre, which opened officially in 2017.

“That took ten years and I have been looking for another Dunoon Burgh Hall since then,” he said.

“I want to find a building which with a little bit of money and community backing can be brought back to life.”