James Hand, won the Purchase Prize at Robert Gordon University for his work creating plans for the village of Lochaline, situated on the southernmost tip of the Morvern peninsula, which is across the water from the Isle of Mull.

James, who is a former Alford Academy pupil, has had his award-winning work displayed at the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment End of Year Show.

The prize is awarded to deserving third, fifth and sixth year students, and as well as £500 for his design, it has been purchased by the school, who will hold it in the archives as an example of student excellence.

James, 24, explained his project: "Lochaline village is a remote and fragile place, having recently suffered from the closure of the local mine. Its future existence hangs in an uneasy balance.

"The project attempted to look beyond the allocation of facilities as an attempt to sustain the village. Instead it addressed issues pertaining to life in this remote part of the country - exploring the qualities and the nature of the place while challenging ideas of a local vernacular."

James, who is from Montgarrie Road, Alford, is set to graduate on Friday, July 16, with a first class BSc Hons degree in architecture. He plans to find employment in London while applying for a Master in architecture degree in the USA.The Alford architect's design provided unique spaces for local residents, such as an internal playground on the ground floor, to provide shelter for the young students in the frequently inclement weather and a top floor hall providing space for community events acting as both a beacon in the landscape and a lookout platform over the village to Mull.

Head of School, Dr David McClean said: "The End of Year Show at the Scott Sutherland School is a celebration of the commitment, passion, ingenuity, and sheer effort of our students and staff. Spanning a broad range of disciplines relating to design and construction, many of the projects relate to 'live' situations and contexts within the region.

"It is vital that a school such as ours engages with its local communities and constituencies, as well as looking further afield to explore areas relating to the global nature of our contemporary professions."