The conversion of a Victorian hospital is one of three reuse projects that make up the shortlist for the 2026 RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland award.

Designed by Bennetts Associates, the former hospital building now houses a mix of teaching spaces for the University of Edinburgh, including a 450-seat auditorium.

It is vying for the title of Scotland's best new building alongside a restored pool pavilion in Aberdeenshire by Studio Octopi and a public library housed in a dilapidated building in Paisley by Collective Architecture.

The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) has awarded the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award annually since 2002.

RIAS said this year's shortlist represents "imaginative reuse and restoration of existing, historic buildings, demonstrating how architects can bring new life to existing buildings and places through a thoughtful, sustainable and inclusive approach to design".

"All three tap into important, current conversations around community, collaboration, retrofit and reuse across three very different contexts," said RIAS president Libby Heathcote.

Located in the Scottish capital, the Edinburgh Futures Institute by Bennetts Associates houses teaching and social facilities for the University of Edinburgh within a Category A-listed Victorian hospital.

The jury said it was shortlisted in recognition of how its architect "preserved the integrity of the historic building yet created a modern, welcoming, clever, and stimulating place that people want to work in and return to".

The Paisley Central Library by Collective Architecture was selected for demonstrating "how underused high street buildings can be revitalised into inspirational spaces for learning and connection".

It involved converting a dilapidated building in Paisley's town centre into a welcoming community space that feels both contemporary and a part of the urban fabric.

The final project is the Tarlair Outdoor Pool Pavilion – an existing Art Deco structure in Aberdeenshire faithfully restored by Studio Octopi.

It was designed as part of a wider project focused on breathing life back into the outdoor pools and hailed by the jury for showing how "sensitive design can revive a historic site while embracing contemporary use”.

This year's jury for the 2026 RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland award consisted of president Heathcote alongside Purcell chairman Elizabeth Smith and The Business editor Kenny Kemp.

The winner will be announced on 26 November. In the lead-up to the event, RIAS is hosting a live discussion on 8 October with the three shortlisted practices for "a deeper look at the projects that are in the running".

Last year's award was given to John McAslan + Partners for its restoration of the Burrell Collection museum in Glasgow.

Previous winners include a remote house by Ann Nisbet Studio and a small office and cafe by Moxon Architects.