Another prestigious award for Lairdsland Primary’s stunning design

Lairdsland Primary School in Kirkintilloch is back in the spotlight once again after scooping a top prize at the Scottish Property Awards in March.

The stunning building has been named as one of only eleven in Scotland to be awarded the prestigious RIAS (Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland) Award.

It was described by judges as being designed ‘as a beacon in its community to provide a quality learning environment’. They also appreciated that ‘the canal-side location was the inspiration for construction parallel to the water with semi-open plan learning spaces and double-height glazing to provide views and a light and spacious environment.’

Council Leader Rhondda Geekie said, “Once again Lairdsland Primary is hitting the headlines and being recognised at the highest level for its striking design. We are extremely proud of how well received the building has been by pupils and teachers who love its open and flexible style. It is easy to see why the building has been established as a reference design for primary schools in Scotland and is winning accolades.”
At the awards ceremony Willie Watt, President of the RIAS, commented, “It seems appropriate, in this RIAS Centenary year, that we have such a strong and diverse list of winners. Our awards celebrate the very best that is being built in Scotland.

“This is a tremendous list which goes in scale from a small house extension/reconfiguration to major education provision. This is a list that fully demonstrates the privilege of living in our magnificent wee country and just how architects have embraced the responsibility that brings with it.”

The £7.7m school was the first to be built through the Council’s Primary School Improvement Programme and was partly funded by Scottish Futures Trust. The Council worked with its development partner hub West Scotland (hWS), to deliver the school which was designed by architects Walters & Cohen and built by Morgan Sindall.

Chief Executive of hWS, Debbie McNamara said, “We are proud of the industry recognition that Lairdsland Primary School continues to receive. In the year it has been open, the building has been visited by local authorities from across the country, inspiring many other educational facilities.”

Michál Cohen of Walters & Cohen Architects added, “I am absolutely delighted at the success being enjoyed by Lairdsland Primary School. Community consultation was at the heart of a collaborative design approach and as a result the building successfully enhances and rejuvenates its unique setting. The positive response from staff, pupils and parents has given the whole project team a great deal of pleasure.