Gareth Hoskins Architects with client Duddingston House Properties beat off competition from more than 50 bidders for the redevelopment of Edinburgh’s iconic former Royal High School. The winning proposals are for an arts hotel, with restaurant, spa, cafe and public gallery spaces.

The imposing building, which towers above the Old Town, was built in 1829. It was intended to hold the debating chamber for the proposed Scottish Assembly which failed to materialise after the 1979 referendum. It was then later considered as the venue for the Scottish Parliament but was rejected in favour of the new building at Holyrood. The £35 million redevelopment will bring the A-listed building back into public use for the first time since 1968.