To celebrate Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design, the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) is bringing back the Design Awards, aimed at recognising exceptional standards of design and craftsmanship in the Park.

“We’re looking to celebrate all aspects of good design, not just the expensive or the iconic,” said Eleanor Mackintosh, the CNPA’s Planning Convener and 2016 Design Awards judge.

“Good and well considered design is an essential part of the planning process and something that the CNPA has been actively promoting and encouraging for many years. The Design Awards are a way of recognising the work of architects and developers to meet the aspirations of communities in the Park for a real sense of place.”

Entries to the Design Awards are being accepted until 1 July 2016. They will then be shortlisted and judged on the following criteria:

• Contribution to sense of place and the special qualities of the National Park
• Form of the development – including scale, massing, siting, design, detailing and materials
• Inclusivity of design or meeting the specific needs of the user
• Environmental sustainability and energy efficiency
• Use of local materials and skills
• Creativity / innovation

Everything from new houses, businesses and big developments to paths, bridges, renovations or conservation of buildings or places, contribute to the National Park and how we appreciate it.  So whether you’re a professional or have just seen something you think is good design, the Park Authority wants to hear about it.

The Cairngorms National Park Design Awards were last held in 2012 with the winners being the Cairngorm Brewery in Aviemore, a new house at Easter Tombain near Grantown-on-Spey and the oodman’s Hut and the Lazy Duck Hostel, Nethy Bridge.

For more information on the Design Awards or to enter, please visit the CNPA website www.cairngorms.co.uk/design_awards where will post regular updates on the competition.