Mareel has been shortlisted for the Andrew Doolan Prize for the Best Building in Scotland, by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS).

Managed by Shetland Arts Development Agency, the leading arts agency in Shetland, Mareel is the UK’s most northerly music, cinema and creative industries centre.

Iain Connelly, President of the RIAS, said: “The 75 submissions from throughout Scotland, ranging in cost from zero to over £30m, is a tremendous vote of confidence. It absolutely confirms that this award, in only its second year, is now the single most important recognition of architectural achievement in Scotland.” Of those 75 submissions, 12 buildings, including Mareel, received awards and were shortlisted.

The building, designed by Gareth Hoskins Architects, is situated in a prominent quayside area in Lerwick, adjacent to the Shetland Museum and Archives and incorporates: a live performance auditorium, two cinema screens, rehearsal rooms, a recording studio, education and training spaces, a digital media production suite, broadcast facilities and a cafe bar with free, high speed wi-fi internet access.

Providing a year round programme of film, live music, education and other performance events, Mareel is a hub and a focus for the creative communities not just in Shetland but beyond, and a catalyst for creative industry in Shetland.

Niall Iain Wright, Associate at Gareth Hoskins Architects, said: “We are very proud of Mareel and delighted to receive a RIAS award. It goes some way to rewarding the endeavours of those, from within our office, from PJP Architects and from Shetland Arts, who put in so much effort to deliver the project. As ever, our greatest satisfaction remains in seeing the building being well used, enjoyed and becoming a central part of the Shetland community.”

Shetland Arts’ Marketing Officer, Lisa Ward, said: “Mareel is a building of national significance and we are very proud to see it recognised in the form of a RIAS Award and shortlisting for the prestigious Andrew Doolan Prize.”

The winner of the Andrew Doolan Prize for Best Building in Scotland will be announced later this year.

Source: Shetland Arts