en.Wedoany.com Reported - A restored mill in John O'Groats has been named Project of the Year at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) 2026 Scotland Awards. The mill not only won the Project of the Year award but also triumphed in the Refurbishment/Revitalisation category and received a high commendation in the Heritage category.
John O'Groats Mill ceased operations in 2001 and was subsequently placed on the Buildings at Risk Register for two decades, during which its stone structure, roof timbers, and cast-iron machinery deteriorated. The £4.9 million renovation, completed in May 2025, addressed both the physical crisis and the fundamental lack of function. Community ownership has given the building a sustainable new use, while architectural innovation preserved the historic structure by separating modern functions into an underground extension.
Today, the mill is open to visitors six days a week during peak season and hosts community events throughout the year.
Commenting on the winning project, the judges said that John O'Groats Mill is an outstanding submission that stood out among all entries. It is not merely a well-delivered project but a profoundly meaningful professional practice, demonstrating what RICS professionals can achieve when technical rigour serves community needs.
The RICS UK Awards aim to showcase the most inspiring initiatives and developments in land, real estate, construction, and infrastructure, recognising outstanding achievements, teamwork, and enterprises. Winning projects from each regional ceremony will represent their region at the UK Grand Final on 22 October.
The full list of Scottish winners includes: John O'Groats Mill for Project of the Year and Refurbishment/Revitalisation; Cloverhill for Residential Development; Currie Community High School for Public Sector Project; Dundas House (BlackRock) in Edinburgh for Commercial Development; Macmillan Square Community Centre in Edinburgh for Community Benefit; and Paisley Museum Reimagined for Heritage. Additionally, John O'Groats Mill in the Heritage category and Dunfermline Learning Campus in the Public Sector category received high commendations.
Commenting on the awards, Kerry Gibbs MRICS, Chair of the RICS UK National Awards, said these awards focus on the most inspiring people, projects, and innovations shaping the built and natural environment, creating a powerful platform that elevates the profile of chartered surveyors and recognises their impact on communities across the country. This year, over 300 submissions were received across all 12 RICS regions. The awards help showcase the positive impact of surveyors and construction on individuals and communities, promoting the role surveying plays in making these projects a reality.
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