The Shetland Museum and Archives in Lerwick, a modern interpretation of traditional structures, is one of 21 projects from across the UK to be shortlisted for this year's Prime Minister's Better Public Building Award.

They show how design can ensure that people are valued and respected in the delivery of public services - with a stunning new railway station in East London and hospitals in Lymington and Brighton. Many of the shortlisted schemes are distinctive for their contribution to revitalising declining local economies.

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The Shetland Museum and Archives is attracting 10 times more visitors now and spurring the development of its formerly derelict surroundings.

Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, said: "Good design in building matters. It helps to foster civic pride, it fires the imagination, and it's something we're very good at in this country.

"The public buildings and projects on this year's shortlist are excellent examples of this. I am especially pleased to see the emphasis on sustainable design, regeneration and bringing life into communities shown by this year's selection."

(GK/JM)