Perthshire-based firm Bell Ingram Design had the unusual challenge of creating an overpass for livestock at the Ingliston showground.

Working in partnership with the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), Bell Ingram worked to deliver on the specific brief that was appropriate for livestock.

Now, the unique construction is in the running in the coveted Infrastructure category at the RICS Awards, which recognise significant accomplishment in the land, property and construction sectors worldwide.

Previously at the RHS, the main pedestrian walkway would have to be temporarily closed at intervals throughout the day to allow cattle to pass from the holding ring into the show ring. This resulted in delays for visitors who had to wait for the animals to cross.

However, last year, thanks to Bell Ingram and RHASS’ clever solution, livestock were able to travel via the new flyover, while the crowd was free to move through an underpass below without delay.

Iain Cram, director of a team of architects at Bell Ingram Design, spoke of the intricate geometry required to complete this one-of-a-kind project while taking up as little valuable space as possible.

Iain said: “This was an unusual and significant win for Bell Ingram, so we’re very excited that it has now been nominated for an RICS Award - it’s fantastic to have all our efforts recognised in this way.

“This commission was all about creating a better visitor experience for the thousands of people who attend the Royal Highland Show.

“The feedback from the 2016 show is that the flyover was a tremendous success, achieving its aim of allowing better movement of people without impacting on the well-being of the livestock.”

Mark Currie, head of operations for RHASS, said the underpass was part of a £1.6m investment of improvements at the Royal Highland Centre which attracts in excess of one million visitors each year.

He said: “This was undoubtedly a challenging project and the solution was exactly what we were looking for as it succeeded in improving the flow of livestock and people through the showground – greatly improving everyone’s experience.

“Fewer hold-ups meant there was more time to enjoy our celebration of the best in farming, food and rural life.

“This underpass is yet another demonstration of the Society’s commitment to sustaining the Royal Highland Show’s position as a world-class event, so we’re delighted to be in the running for an RICS Award this year.”

The RICS Awards will take place on April 27 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa in Edinburgh.