The National Trust for Scotland has secured a trio of accolades at this year's Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) Awards, recognising the charity's stewardship of heritage sites and the impact of its conservation programmes on the Isle of Canna and in East Lothian.

The RIAS Awards celebrate a wide spectrum of work across the built environment, from social housing and contemporary homes to significant conservation of historic places – a range reflected in the Trust's recognised projects.

At Preston Tower, doocot and gardens, the Trust worked with East Lothian Council, architects GRAS, local contractor Campbell & Smith, Prestonpans Community Council and specialist partners to consolidate the 15th-century towerhouse and restore the doocot. The Scheduled Monument works both safeguarded historic fabric and improved access and engagement for the local community. The RIAS judges said it 'exemplifies careful stewardship of heritage, combining delicacy, rigour and social relevance to produce a building and landscape that is enduring, inspiring and beloved by its community.'

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On Canna, a nine-year programme with LDN Architects, Highland contractor Simpson Builders Ltd and a wider team of interpretation and conservation specialists has reinstated the Category B-listed Canna House, once the home of Gaelic scholars John Lorne Campbell and Margaret Fay Shaw. The scheme focused on climate resilience and included structural repairs, upgraded services and insulation for energy efficiency, a conservation heating system to protect collections, and the creation of two archive stores and a reading room. According to the judges, it 'stands as an exemplary model of conservation, demonstrating the value of an experienced design team and the role organisations such as the National Trust for Scotland play in safeguarding cultural heritage in remote locations.'

Sarah MacKinnon, Head of Building Conservation, said: 'We're proud that our efforts on two very different projects have been recognised with these architecture awards, demonstrating the breadth of heritage buildings the Trust cares for. Our strong showing in the top 10 also showcases how important these heritage building projects are, and the skill, expertise, and passion that must go into reviving our historic places.

"The Preston Tower project focused on community engagement and thoughtful interventions to continue to provide access for future generations. It was an exemplar, addressing the needs of this ancient monument, but with the ongoing support of the Friends of Preston Tower, it will also provide a new generation with a chance to see what makes it so special.

"Canna House is a more modern building by comparison, but required significant future proofing to protect it from the harsh Hebridean climate. Meticulous and exhaustive work across Trust teams, consultants and contractors ensured that it was restored to the comfortable, mid-20th-century home that John Lorne Campbell and Margaret Fay Shaw created. The project has protected the house, its priceless archive and with them, the legacy of John and Margaret for many years to come."

These outcomes align with the Trust's 10-year strategy, launched in 2022, to care for, protect and share Scotland's nature, beauty and heritage for everyone.