Taking place every two years, the awards provide a benchmark for the quality of recent development and the effectiveness of planning policies.

It also seeks to inspire excellence and innovation across Aberdeenshire.

Now in its 13th year, the Aberdeenshire Architectural and Landscape Design Awards 2023 will be given to outstanding design achievements in the categories of Business and Community Enterprise, Conservation and Building Adaptation, Innovative Single House Design (including extensions), Landscape and Biodiversity Enhancement and Building Communities for the Future.

Thanks to the generosity of this year’s sponsors - Mabbett Ltd and CMD Stone - AALDA 2023 has been able to continue, albeit in a scaled back approach compared to previous years.

Mabbet Ltd are sponsors of the Landscape and Biodiversity category while CMD Stone will sponsor the Conservation and Building Adaptation category.

In place of an in-person award ceremony, the winners will be announced in a virtual showcase on the Aberdeenshire Council website, similar to the 2020 scheme.

The sponsorship has allowed certain elements of the Design Awards to continue as normal, such as the in-person judging of the submissions, which the judges required to get a better understanding of the properties within their setting, allowing them to make more informed decisions, which could not be achieved in a virtual format.

The first round of judging was held in March, with the in-person judging of the properties in June.

Aberdeenshire Council is now nearing completion of the second round of judging, which will take place in September, to select the finalists who will be announced in October.

Paul Macari, Head of Planning and Economy, said: “We are delighted to have received this generous sponsorship for the Aberdeenshire Architectural and Landscape Design Awards 2023, which has enabled the scheme to proceed this year. The AALDA is an important event in the Planning Service calendar and for many architects who work across Aberdeenshire where they are recognised and awarded for their high-quality designs and dedication to the profession.”