The inaugural My Place Awards, a new national award scheme run by the Scottish Civic Trust and supported by the Scottish Government, has been won by Castlemilk Stables, a beautiful and imaginative restoration of the historic ‘B’ listed Castlemilk House Stables Block, originally designed in 1790.  The award was presented today Monday 19 April at The Lighthouse in Glasgow by Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop.
 
The project was designed by Elder and Cannon Architects and nominated for the award by Glasgow Building Preservation Trust.  Externally much of the original building has been restored to resemble its original appearance but internally the architects have used an exciting and elegant contemporary design.
 
The judges for the award were Scottish Civic Trustees Angus Kerr (panel chairman) and Alistair Scott; Petra Biberbach, Chief Executive, Planning Aid for Scotland;  and Donnie Munro, Director of Development at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Gaelic college in Sleat, Skye.  Nominations were received from across Scotland by local civic societies, preservation trusts and other bodies affiliated to the Scottish Civic Trust, which provides leadership in the protection and development of Scotland's built environment.
 
Speaking on behalf of the judging panel, chairman Angus Kerr said of the project: “This is an outstanding project in all respects and has obviously made a real impact on the local community with a bold and attractive architectural statement.  It has obviously done wonders for civic pride and took vision and perseverance to get it to the final stage.  It feels airy and light and has a welcoming feel to it and in our opinion encompasses the spirit of ‘My Place’.
 
Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop said:  "This exceptionally elegant and high-quality renovation has provided a social focus for local organisations.  The success of the project shows how good design can make an important contribution to a local community.
 
“The Scottish Government sees great value in our sponsorship of the Awards because of the focus on communities and on projects nominated by local civic groups.
 
“These are the people who really understand local needs and can recognise how projects have responded to those needs."
 
 
Certificates were also awarded to the following projects: 
Infirmary Street Baths, Edinburgh, Malcolm Fraser Architects.  Nominated by The Cockburn Association.  High Commendation

The Causey Project, Arcade Architects. Nominated by West Crosscauseway Association.  Commendation
North Queensferry Light Tower, North Queensferry, G

ordon and Dey Architects, Ian Ballantine. Nominated by North Queensferry Heritage Trust. Commendation

Hippodrome Cinema, Bo’ness, The Pollock Hammond Partnership. Nominated by Scottish Historic Buildings Trust.  Commendation

For further information contact Frances Hendron at the Scottish Civic Trust on 0141 221 1466 / 07810 023530, email frances.hendron@scottishcivictrust.org.uk

For details about all the projects in competition please visit the gallery of entrants at www.myplaceawards.org.uk.