Finalists named in latest Scottish Scenic Routes contest

Launched last month, the contests – organised by the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre – were open to young architects and landscape architects within five years of completing their RIBA Part II or graduating.

The latest competitions included a site in Banavie overlooking Ben Nevis at the start of the Caledonian Canal on the A830 – which is known as the ‘Road to the Isles’ – near Fort William.

The two remaining plots – both inside Cairngorms National Park – comprise the Devil’s Elbow A93 lay-by and a disused quarry near Scotland’s highest village, Tomintoul.

The 11 finalists have received £1,000 each to develop their designs ahead of a final judging session at the end of this month.

The winners – set to be announced on 30 September – will receive £5,000 each.

Their chosen £60,000 designs are expected to be constructed in their respective locations by March next year.

Launched in 2013, the high-profile £1.5 million pilot programme aims to boost tourism and rural employment by creating new road-side visitor attractions.

Three competition-winning pilot installations by BTE Architecture (Loch Lomond), John Kennedy (Falls of Falloch) and Studio BARD-founder Ruaraidh Campbell Moir (Loch Lubnaig) have already been completed.

Two further contest-winning schemes by John Kennedy (Corgarff) and Sean Douglas with Gavin Murray (Laggan) are meanwhile due to start on site.