The winners of the Scottish Borders Design Awards, organised by ourselves, have been announced at a ceremony held at the Great Tapestry of Scotland
Celebrating their 40 anniversary, the awards are one of Scotland’s longest-running platforms for showcasing design excellence at a local level.
With a total of 42 submissions received across all categories, the awards recognise outstanding achievements in architecture, conservation, placemaking and sustainable design across the region.
The ceremony was hosted by Councillor Simon Mountford, and the awards were assessed by an independent judging panel consisting of retired architect-planner Charles Strang, retired Scottish Government planner Graham Marchbank, and architect and urban designer Una Lee.
The judges reviewed all applications, undertook site visits to shortlisted projects, and carried out final deliberations before selecting the winners.
2025 Award Winners:
- Large Project Award – Earlston Primary School - Stallan Brand
- Small Project Award – Sunnyside Farmhouse – Gray Macpherson Architects
- Residential Award – Kirkbrae, Galashiels – Angus Architecture and SBC Empty Homes
- Regeneration Award – Whitefield Crescent, Newtown St Boswells – 56three Architects for SBHA
- Conservation Award –Gala Fairydean Rovers Stand, Galashiels – Narro Associates & Reiach and Hall
- Placemaking Award – Trimontium Museum, Melrose – SBC Architects Department
The headline award, Scottish Borders Building of the Year, was presented to the Trimontium Museum, Melrose after the judges praised its sensitive handling of museum interpretation, its strong response to the conservation area, and its calm, well-crafted internal environment that enriches understanding of the region’s Roman heritage.
Councillor Simon Mountford, Chair of the Planning and Building Standards Committee
“For 40 years, the Scottish Borders Design Awards have celebrated the skill, ambition and creativity of those who shape our built environment.
“This year’s submissions show just how much design talent we have in the region. This creativity strengthens our communities, enhances our heritage and supports a more sustainable future.”
Charles Strang, member of the independent judging panel
"The judging panel was hugely impressed by the breadth and quality of submissions this year. We undertook site visits across the region and saw first-hand the care, craft and imagination being applied to buildings large and small.”
“What stood out in the strongest projects was a clarity of purpose. Selecting winners was not easy, but the projects recognised today represent excellence in their respective fields and highlight the value of thoughtful, well-executed design in shaping the future of the Scottish Borders.”
Images can be found via our Flickr album.