Architecture Practice, BAILTEAN AILTEIREACHD ’S RÙM DÀNACH:
TOWNSHIPS, ARCHITECTURE & The ROOM of POETICS

Origins

BAILTEAN AILTEIREACHD 'S RÙM DÀNACH

Architecture Practice, BAILTEAN AILTEIREACHD`S RÙM DÀNACH:
TOWNSHIPS, ARCHITECTURE & The ROOM of POETICS

Our origins are in Scotland’s enchanted Hebridean Islands and our base is in Glasgow. We believe that architecture should have a poetic quality and a depth of meaning in its purpose.

We compose recognised projects which are distinctive, cared for, soulful and timeless. We work in an artisan manner balancing the challenges of today with traditional artistry. Working with clients locally and internationally for individual adventure, commercial pursuits, community interests and on public projects.

We are future-focused architects, guided by what's gone before.

How can we help you with your next project? We're always happy to meet new people and discuss new ideas. Let's grab a coffee, tea, beer, whisky or whatever suits.

Contact us

Meet the team

Ruairidh Moir, Chartered Architect with Conservation Accreditation and Practice Principal

Ruairidh hails from Tolsta on the Isle of Lewis.  In 2007 he moved to Glasgow due to his interest in the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.  Later he spent time studying in Barcelona, due to his fascination of the works of Enric Miralles, undertaking an Erasmus exchange at the Escola Tècnica Superior d’Arquitectura del Vallès.  He graduated from the University of Strathclyde School of Architecture with a Masters degree in Advanced Architectural Design (with distinction).
Ruairidh has worked in private practice in the Hebrides, Glasgow and Barcelona where he spent time working in the studio of Miralles Tagliabue EMBT and the Fundacio Enric Miralles, before establishing BARD.  This was set up following competition success with the Scottish Scenic Routes initiative for the Scottish Government. Sloc nan Sìtheanach is now built and operational following winning the first pilot project for Loch Lubnaig. Further competition success was delivered with a High Commendation for Na Crìochan scheme for Corgarff.
Ruairidh has had a strong academic presence, tutoring at the Strathclyde School of Architecture since 2015 and serving as a Teaching Fellow until 2022.
Tutoring, academic work and concern for key works of interest provide a strong compliment for Ruairidh’s work, and enhances the output of BARD. Ruairidh is a former chair of the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society Queen’s Cross Church fabric committee and a former Nationally Elected Council member of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland.

Ciaran Gallagher, Architect

Ciaran grew up in Glasgow, with time also spent in County Clare, before studying architecture at the University of Strathclyde. During his studies he was one of only four students nominated for the top design awards in his year.

He joined BARD initially as a model maker and was soon promoted to Architectural Assistant, contributing to a range of projects at varying stages. Since graduating, he has continued to develop his career at BARD, working across residential and community-based projects, with a particular interest in detail development and build-ability.

Ciaran qualified as an architect in March 2025 and continues to develop his skills at BARD, working on projects from early concept through to construction.

 

Carol-Ann Hildersley, Bookkeeper

Carol-Ann was born and raised in Edinburgh and started working in the architecture industry straight out of high school in 1994 when she joined the award-winning Edinburgh practice, Campbell and Arnott Ltd as office junior, ultimately working her way up to Office Manager by the time the practice sadly closed its doors in 2010.

This experience stood her in good stead when she then joined The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland as PA to the Secretary & Treasurer, initially on a short term contract to cover maternity leave. She was then offered a permanent position at the RIAS where she ultimately became a Senior Manager providing executive support to the CEO and the President as well as heading up all of the awards and events and delivering the RIAS Quarterly magazine.

Carol-Ann joined the BARD team in 2023 on a part time basis as the office administration manager.

A VESSEL OF CHRONICLES AND VOYAGES
We propose a building as a campus, placed on the shore line and creating a kind of landscape that evokes the qualities of this place.  Large blocks are anchored against sheltering walls, like ships come into harbour. We propose a dynamic and exploratory building, blending historical narrative with a forward-thinking approach. The vessel navigates through time, filled with chronicles and opportunities for new voyages.    

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Leverhulme Community Hub
The proposal sought to update the original building while maintaining its original character. It transformed the space to serve new functions, preserving the structure for future generations from its former use as a school to a more versatile community space.

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BERNERAY MANSE
Building on our work at nearby Trumaisgearraidh, we have been commissioned to assist with renovation plans to bring the building back into habitable use as well as adapting the house sympathetically to reflect the needs of modern domestic life. 

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Caol Ruadh Gatehouse
This project involves the conversion and extension of an existing outhouse at Caol Ruadh Gatehouse to form a single-dwelling house. The design aims to repurpose the current structure, building within and around it to create a contemporary home that respects and revitalizes the existing fabric.

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QUEENS CROSS CHURCH
Queens Cross Church is a Grade A listed building, designed by the renowned architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It no longer serves its function of a church, however continues to be used as a base for the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society.

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COMANN EACHDRAIDH SGÌRE A' BHAC
The site of the former school in the district of Back, Isle of Lewis, has been a vacant wound in the area ever since the school buildings were removed.  It is a site of emotional connection and historical association, with many having either being educated there or being related to those who were.

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COMUNN EACHDRAIDH NIS
Reinvigorating a civic Building by transforming the 1878 former Cross School buildings on the Isle of Lewis into a modern museum facility.

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CRUACHAN BEAG
Reinhabiting a ruin. On the Isle of Eriskay, a two-celled stone bothy lain in a ruinous state situated on a spectacular promontory, was a favourite for onlookers to photograph. This structure was formerly a home, and may later have become a dairy shed. What was clear, however, was that numerous adaptations had been made over time to the building.

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CARLOWAY MILL - Proposals for a Harris Tweed Textile Mill in the Outer Hebrides. The Carloway Mill produces its own yarns and patterns before the beams are sent out to crofters to weave on traditional looms. Following this, the woven textile returns to the mill for meticulous checking, washing, steaming and warping.

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EDINBURGH TOWNHOUSE
Our design proposes modifications to the kitchen and dining areas of the property to the rear garden, examining the property holistically in relation to the building character and function.

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GALLAN HEAD MASTERPLAN
During the cold war the MOD took the headland into their possession to establish a major surveillance including accommodation for around 200 people. This headland and the buildings associated, remained in military control until 2010. The Gallan head community trust has since taken possession of this headland buildings.

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IONAD EILEAN NA H-ÒIGE
The location that inspired Whisky Galore and the site of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s first Scottish landfall, the Isle of Eriskay has an incredibly rich and eclectic history. Affectionately known as ‘Eilean h- Òige’ (the isle of youth), Eriskay was only first populated after the Highland Clearances and has a relatively short history of inhabitants, but a history that could rival any of its neighbours.

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ARTISTS STUDIO
PLACING LIGHT ATOP THE HILL
Across the Outer Hebrides, patterns of former habitations punctuate the landscape. In the case of Lemreway, a remarkable collection of blackhouses sit elevated above the new village, quite forgotten despite their prominent position overlooking the village.

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LOBSTER HOUSE. Positioning a new home on a narrow ledge between bedrock and a blackhouse ruin. What to do on a challenging site to amplify the found qualities of the place.

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CROWNING THE CITY - “Rock, Water, Wood and Space” symbolises the natural environment of Finland. The nodes in the landscape is imbued with history and traces of past existences which can be read and understood when presented. Much like a fine Malt Whisky, the landscape provides ingredients for multiple interpretations and close associations between people and their environment.

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WINDYHILL. Building on Mackintosh - Windyhill was the first prototype house from world renowned Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh and is his last remaining project still used for its own original purpose.

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HOUSE FOR AN ARCHAEOLOGIST - Building in and of the land. We have also taken cues from extensive analysis of key archaeological sites in the locality, such as Skara Brae and Maeshowe in relation to composition of geometry as well as key drivers and components in relation to the arrangement of domestic life.

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