A bridge made from recycled stone that diverts traffic on a major road from a historic structure has been shortlisted for a prestigious architecture award.
The Gairnshiel Jubilee Bridge, which crosses the River Gairn in Aberdeenshire, within the Cairngorms, is on the shortlist for the Doolan Award for the year’s best building in Scotland. This is the first time a bridge has featured on the shortlist in the prize’s 23-year history.
The judges were impressed by the new bridge’s slim-line, bold geometry and by architect Moxon’s material palette of recycled, locally sourced granite for the parapets and embankments and weathering steel for the primary structure. They said, ‘Gairnshiel Jubilee Bridge offers a simple, but confident companion to the historic crossing, which has been set aside for pedestrian use to safeguard this for future generations.’
Gairnshiel Bridge against the backdrop of the Cairngorms. Credit: Simon Kennedy/Moxon
The bridge, which was constructed by Glasgow-based Arcadis for Aberdeenshire Council, was opened by the King in autumn 2023 (link opens in new tab).
The Doolan Award is judged by The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS). Projects are rated for their architectural integrity, usability and context, delivery and execution, and sustainability.
The new bridge with the old bridge behind. Credit: Simon Kennedy/Moxon
Also on the shortlist were a restored 16th century tower house, a university building in Edinburgh and the refurbishment of a park in Aberdeen. RIAS will announce the winner in December.
