A group of architecture students at Robert Gordon University (RGU) will host an exhibition of their work to transform the grounds of Elsick House into a wedding and corporate venue.

The year two Architectural Design students were tasked with developing plans for a bespoke ballroom venue in the walled garden of Elsick Estate, capable of hosting up to 200 people.

Elsick House sits at the heart of the Elsick Estate, which is currently undergoing a complete transformation from agricultural land to the new town development of Chapelton.

The students’ designs will now go on display at the Bon Accord Centre, where members of the public will have the chance to view and vote for their favourite proposal.

Working closely with the Duchess of Fife, whose family own the estate, the students worked hard to develop a variety of creative proposals which will be on display from March 3 – 9.

There will be a special VIP event on the final evening, when members of the public who have engaged with the exhibition will be invited along to see the winning proposals and meet with the Duke and Duchess and the students.

Gillian Wishart, RGU lecturer who is leading the project, said: “This has been a very inspiring project to work on with the students – a combination of a strong context and beautiful site, and the opportunity for the students to influence a project that should actually come to fruition.

“We are hugely grateful to the Duchess who has truly got behind the project and supported the students from the offset.

“Not only have the students come up with a range of exciting and creative proposals for the walled garden, but they have also designed and delivered a sophisticated public exhibition – a design project in its own right.

“We would like to thank Suki Hudson of Hudsons catering and Lucy Mackenzie of George Watt and Stewart Architects who have been instrumental in facilitating the collaboration and helping to drive the project forward.”

The Duchess of Fife added: “We have been so impressed with the hard work and creativity of the students and the work that has been produced.

“The second year students were briefed several months ago and we set an ambitious project to create an eye-catching and complimentary garden room for entertaining up to 200 guests and they have achieved this with such style and professionalism.

“It is very fitting that their models and designs should be taken into the heart of Aberdeen for all to see the results and I am sure that anyone passing through the Bon Accord centre will be impressed with their interpretations of a stylish contemporary building right alongside Elsick House in the walled garden. When we create this new space in 2018/2019 we will be drawing on many of the elements featured here.”

Craig Stevenson, centre manager at Bon Accord, said: “We are delighted to be able to support and celebrate the creativity and vision these students clearly have and that’s so important for the future of our local area. We are very excited to have them exhibiting their work with us at the start of March.

“We really enjoy working with the schools, colleges, groups and universities from around the North East and like to help and support them where we can.”