Castle shortlisted in Scottish Property Awards

The recently completed project to restore and repair Rosslyn Castle has been recognised by The Scottish Property Awards 2025, where it has been shortlisted in two categories.

Rosslyn Castle is category A-listed, recognising its architectural and historic character, and its grounds are designated as a Scheduled Monument. The Castle is in the care of Rosslyn Chapel Trust, which has undertaken and solely funded the two-year project.

As a result of the project, Rosslyn Castle’s East Range now has a permanent roof over the Great Hall, for the first time since 1650, protecting important masonry carvings, and the three levels of vaults below ground level. The building, which dates back to 1622, is also now Net Zero ready, as the heating and hot water are provided by six air source heat pumps, removing the need for traditional fossil fuels. The heat pumps are situated in the Castle vaults, which date from the 1580s, and it is believed that Rosslyn Castle may be one of the oldest buildings in the world to adopt air source heat pumps. The building provides self-catering holiday accommodation through a partnership with the Landmark Trust.

The project has been shortlisted in the categories Net Zero Development of the Year and Architectural Excellence Award (Commercial Use). The Scottish Property Awards were founded in 2014. They are judged by a panel of experts drawn from across the sector, bringing together industry experience and market knowledge to recognise the greatest achievements in the built environment across Scotland.

Ian Gardner, Director of Rosslyn Chapel Trust, said: ‘It’s great news to see our innovative project at Rosslyn Castle shortlisted in these two categories, recognising the vision to reintegrate habitable and formerly ruined parts of the building and the quality of the work to achieve this.’

The main contractor for the work was John Dennis & Company (Scotland) Ltd.

Jonathan Walsh of the project’s architects, Page\Park, said: ‘Page\Park are delighted to hear that Rosslyn Castle is a finalist for the Scottish Property Awards 2025 in the Architectural Excellence Award (Commercial Use) and Net Zero Development of the Year categories. We are looking forward to joining the celebration at the Awards Dinner.’

The winners of the awards will be announced on 20^th February 2025.

Photo: K Neville

Posted in Conservation