THE best of Borders buildings have been recognised at a local design awards ceremony.

Modern, traditional and innovative projects were amongst the winners and commendations at the Borders Building Design Awards 2018 held at Marchmont House on Thursday October 18.

The awards, which have been running since 1984, attracted a total of 26 entries with five winners and three commendations being announced at the event.

The judging panel visited each of the shortlisted projects before selecting their winners and awarding commendations.

Winner in the New Build Residential category was The Loan, Gattonside. Judges said: “The contemporary design of this new house responds to its site context and takes advantage of the view towards the Eildon Hills on both levels.” A commendation in the category went to Singdean, Newcastleton.

Winner of the best New Build Non-residential Building was Broomlands Primary, Kelso for the “real wow factor in this design, which creates an inspiring place to learn”. A commendation went to Leader Valley School, Earlston, with judges commenting: “It is a good example of a building that has been developed in close collaboration with the end user to create a light and welcoming building.”

The Works to Existing Buildings Residential winner was Fellowhills Farmhouse, Horndean, a project that is: “Effectively a new house linked to the existing farmhouse with simple glazed link. The quality of the stonework in particular is of the highest order.” A commendation in this category went to Danderhall, near Mertoun.

Works to Existing Buildings Commercial winner was Borders Distillery, Hawick. Judges described it as: “An imaginative and sensitive conversion of an unused listed building which had previously been on the Buildings at Risk Register.”

Winner in the Placemaking and Regeneration category was Stonefield, Hawick. Judges said: “A real sense of place was established…the scheme has created a strong community feeling and pride.”

The Borders Building Design Awards 2018 themselves have also been shortlisted for next month’s Scottish Government’s Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning competition.

Councillor Tom Miers, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Planning and Environment, said: “The Borders Building Design Awards are so important to help recognise and improve the quality of building design across the region whether it is modern, innovative or traditional.

“It is also an ideal opportunity to bring planners, builders, architects, developers and other key figures in the industry together.

“We have a great heritage of buildings across the region, which are not only important from an aesthetic point of view but also to encourage people to live and invest in the Borders.

“Huge congratulations to all the winners and those commended, and thanks to all our sponsors for their support of the awards.”