Winner of Wester Ross Visitor Information Shelter Architect competition announced

In October The Highland Council launched an architectural competition for the development of three visitor information shelters at key entry points to Achnasheen, Lochcarron and Braemore and today the winning designer has been announced.  

The aim of the project is to encourage expansion of tourism in Wester Ross whilst adding value to other projects and facilities within the area.  Moreover, this is an opportunity to support the UNESCO designations of Wester Ross Biosphere and North West Highland Geopark by promoting and informing visitors.  The project also supports the Council’s priority of delivering economic benefits from tourism through improvements in visitor experience and developing the Highlands as a world class destination.

The competition attracted world-wide interest from architects and landscape with over 60 designs submitted.  Of these, three were shortlisted and invited to submit detailed deigns, which have now been assessed by a panel of technical experts and judged by a panel made up of community members.

The overall winner is Mike Hyatt of Mike Hyatt Landscape Architects, with his deconstructed bothy design that embodies the essential statement of a welcoming place of shelter.   The judging panel thought this design was full of character and in-keeping with local tradition and culture. 

The other two finalists were James Barnfield and Calum Duncan, who both submitted strong designs and gave the judging panel much to consider.   A lot of hard work and creativity went into the submissions and for that The Highland Council is very grateful.  

Mike Hyatt will now work closely with the Highland Council to bring his design to a reality in time for start of the busy tourist season in 2017.