Architect society praises ‘radical’ secondary school

Scotland’s newest secondary has been shortlisted for an architectural award.

Bertha Park, the first newly created secondary in Scotland in over two decades, opened its doors to pupils in August 2019.

It was officially opened by deputy first minister John Swinney in January 2020 and was described by its architect as“arguably the most radical secondary in Scotland.”

Last week, the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) announced its shortlist for its 2020 awards and Bertha Park is one of only two schools to make the cut.

The shortlist of 18 spectacular buildings includes the likes of Aberdeen Art Gallery and the Hill House Box - a semi-transparent shelter protecting the Helensburgh house designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Maidenhill Primary School and Nursery in East Renfrewshire is the only other school to make it into the shortlist.

Kevin Cooper, NORR director who designed the £29 million school alongside project architect Neil Rankin, was delighted.

Mr Cooper told the PA:“It’s really great to be shortlisted. It was a terrific team effort. The most important thing is that the kids really like it - that’s success.”

Judging takes place at the end of March with RIAS awards winners being announced at a ceremony in Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms on May 28.

The architect praised everyone involved in the build.

The building group Robertson has also been shortlisted for an award at the Construction News Awards in the project of the year (£20 million to £50m) category.

The award winners for this will be announced on July 9.