Simpson & Brown Architects worked on the original Scottish Seabird Centre building which became a very popular landmark when it opened to the public in May 2000 and has won several architectural and sustainability awards.

The project’s success has led to the practice being appointed to design other visitor attractions over the last 16 years including the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, the Dawyck Gateway at the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Arbroath Abbey Visitor Centre, York Art Gallery and, most recently, Rievaulx Abbey Visitor Centre and Museum.

Under the latest commission, Simpson & Brown will be tasked with enhancing the National Marine Centre exhibition space and accommodating a range of activities and events within a two-year funding deadline.

The project team will be led by partners Andy Davey and Susan Whittle alongside associate Jenny Phillips.

Andy Davey said: “Our team is delighted to be involved with the National Marine Centre Project. We are immensely proud of the Seabird Centre building and believe we are ideally placed to develop and strengthen the design to make it even more inspirational as well as functional for visitors and staff.

“Our work focuses on respecting the past and responding to the challenges for the future, particularly with regards to environmentally sound, sustainable design. As these aspects will be a core focus for the National Marine Centre project we look forward to researching, consulting and developing the designs in partnership with the Seabird Centre team and key stakeholders.”

Grace Martin, project director for the National Marine Centre, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Simpson & Brown. Andy and his team have a very strong association with the current building and a wealth of experience in visitor attractions, sustainability and sympathetic design.

“It is still very early days with the project and we are currently in a period of public consultation. Going forward, Simpson & Brown will be keen to engage with visitors and non-visitors alike to help them identify how best to enhance the existing, iconic Seabird Centre building.”