THE stunning Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries has been shortlisted for two of Scotland's most prestigious architecture prizes.

The building is one of 27 buildings competing for the prestigious Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) /Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) 2017 awards.

Following a record number of submissions, the impressive design has also been shortlisted for the Edinburgh Architectural Association (EAA) Awards 2017 in the ‘Large Project’ category.

Designed by Richard Murphy Architects, this 2,300 m2 contemporary extension, links superbly to the world’s first Carnegie Library and sits proudly within Dunfermline’s Heritage Quarter, which contains many A and B listed historic buildings and visitor attractions.

These include Dunfermline Abbey Church, Dunfermline Abbey, Dunfermline Palace, Abbot House and Andrew Carnegie’s Birthplace Museum.

The spectacular extension provides attractions for everyone to experience and enjoy including a new museum, exhibition galleries, local studies centre, a large modern children’s library and a mezzanine café with stunning views over the landscaped garden to Dunfermline Abbey and the Heritage Quarter.

Heather Stuart, CEO, Fife Cultural Trust, responsible for managing the building, said: "We are delighted that Dunfermline Carnegie Libraries & Galleries has been nominated for these prestigious architectural awards before we have even officially opened our doors to the public. This new facility will be the jewel in our crown and our staff are hard at work moving thousands of books, museum objects, precious archives and artworks into the building ensuring it will be ready in time for our opening on 18th May."

The local community has responded enthusiastically to their new building with more than 400 volunteers already taken part in a range of activities to help deliver the new facility in time for its official opening.

RIAS Secretary Neil Baxter said: "The judges were highly impressed with this innovative and exciting development. The bringing together of libraries, museums and art galleries makes this an important cultural hub for the town and will serve the community well for a very long time to come."

The project is one of four shortlisted for the EAA Awards 2017 with the winner to be announced on Wednesday, April 19.

The winners of the RIAS/RIBA 2017 awards will be announced on Wednesday, June 14.

Townhill's Scottish National Waterski Centre, designed by David Barbour, is also in the running for the RIAS/RIBA awards and judges were impressed by the space.

"This reworking of the original, multi-use, building at the loch-side waterski centre at Townhill Country Park is a bright and expansive space to match skiers."