Paisley library named one of the 2026 RIAS Award winners

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A project that brought a "dilapidated historic building" back into use has been named among Scotland's top ten architectural achievements.

Paisley Central Library, designed by Collective Architecture, was one of the 2026 RIAS Award winners selected by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS).

The jury highlighted the project’s success, describing it as "a model for urban regeneration, showing how underused high street buildings can be transformed into destinations that enrich community life and civic pride."



Paisley Central Library has been named a winner of the 2026 RIAS Award (Image: Keith Hunter)

The 2026 RIAS Awards jury, chaired by architect Chris Dyson, included Elilidh Izat, Owen Hopkins and Anna Liu.

Chris Dyson said: "The projects in this year’s top ten were exceptional: our visits and reviews were rigorous and gave us the time and space to appreciate in full the great care and consideration given to craftsmanship, responses to climate change and placemaking.

"Scotland really showed us the richness of its urban and natural landscapes and the outstanding quality of architecture being produced within them."

Paisley Central Library has been named a winner of the 2026 RIAS Award (Image: Kirsty Anderson)

Paisley Central Library has been named a winner of the 2026 RIAS Award (Image: Kirsty Anderson)

The ten RIAS Award winners are now in the running for the Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award, which will be announced in November and are also eligible for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) National Awards.

Karen Anderson, president of RIAS, said: "The RIAS Awards once again demonstrate that great architecture adds value across Scottish society.

"These ten projects show just how much well-designed buildings, and the re-invention and careful stewardship of our heritage, can give joy and improve our day-to-day lives, whether at work, at leisure or at home.

"It’s really important through our awards to be able to recognise the creativity, skills and commitment of the architects and project teams that make great projects happen."



Paisley Central Library has been named a winner of the 2026 RIAS Award (Image: Kirsty Anderson)

Alongside Paisley Central Library, this years winners include: Neilston Learning Campus, East Renfrewshire by BDP, Parkhead Health & Social Care and Community Hub, Glasgow by Hoskins Architects, Preston Tower, Doocot and Gardens, East Lothian by GRAS,  St Andrew’s Drive Phases 2 & 3, Glasgow by jmarchitects, Tarlair Outdoor Pool Pavilion, Macduff by Studio Octopi,  The Canna House Project for the National Trust for Scotland, Isle of Canna by LDN Architects, the Usher Building, University of Edinburgh by Hassell, and Iorram, Highlands by Baillie Baillie Architects.

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