A croft, castle and salmon bothy received distinction awards at the Design Awards courtesy of Aberdeenshire Council at Haddo House on Thursday, September 2.

The biennial event promotes good design and celebrates the work of architects, builders, artists and other professionals in producing designs of exceptional merit and quality within Aberdeenshire.

The Salmon Bothy in Portsoy stood out as best over all categories and took the top prize of the Ian Shepherd award.

Ian was principal archaeologist at Aberdeenshire Council, who sadly passed away in May 2009, and the new award category was established in his memory.

Councillor Peter Argyle, chairman of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee and of the judging panel, said: “Winners of commendations, many good – some superb, and those of distinction are to be applauded and the high quality of all entries made judging a difficult task.

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“We chose the designs that had the most visual impact, and overall, Portsoy’s Salmon Bothy was shown to have both aesthetic and historical significance and worthy of the Ian Shepherd award.

“The effort made in terms of conservation, and the general artistic and architectural endeavour of some properties also goes to show the talent that exists within Aberdeenshire.”

Vice-Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, Councillor Jill Webster, added: “The sheer variety and undeniable quality of the nominations featured in the awards showcased not just the greatest in craftsmanship, but overall sustainability and conservation too.

“The judging panel look forward to another excellent year for Aberdeenshire architecture come 2012.”

There are three grades of award that are either ‘Commended’, ‘Highly Commended’ or given the accolade of ‘Distinction’.

Three properties received the highest accolade, Distinction: Sustainability Comers of Kebbaty Croft, Midmar; Craftsmanship Craigievar Castle, Alford; Conservation Salmon Bothy, Portsoy.

The awards are organised by the council’s Planning and Environmental Service every two years and 161 entries were received across seven categories: Business, Conservation, Craftsmanship, Housing, Rural Landscape, Public Art and Sustainability.

(GK/KMcA)