Burr’s of Tongue awarded Silver at Scottish Design Awards 2025
We’re pleased to share that Burr’s of Tongue has been recognised with the Silver Award in the Public Building category at the Scottish Design Awards 2025.
Once earmarked for demolition due to poor condition and unsympathetic alterations, the project was reimagined through a conservation-led approach. Working with our client, Wildland, GRAS proposed retaining and adapting the existing structure — preserving its environmental, historical and community value.
Located on Scotland’s north coast, the building was historically home to Burr’s Store — a bakery, tearoom, travelling shop and transport hub, serving as a centre for local life. Early investigations revealed much of the original timber fabric and fittings still intact beneath later additions. These discoveries led to a public event in the partially uncovered space, where local residents gathered to share memories and discuss the building’s future.
Today, Burr’s of Tongue supports a new chapter — hosting a bakery and bookshop by Cereal Bakery alongside the filling station, garage and space for arts and social gatherings.
This project reflects GRAS’s continued commitment to working with memory, material and place, allowing the past to shape meaningful futures.
Thank you to the Scottish Design Awards jury and to all those who contributed to the project, including our client, collaborators, craftspeople and the community in Tongue.