LEIP Lessons Learnt
Paisley Patterns – An exploration of Paisley Grammar School Community Campus
Aileen McGruther, Project Manager, Renfrewshire Council | Alan Pearson, Project Manager, Renfrewshire Council | Zalia Ivanova, Architect, Ryder Architecture | Kaylee Surridge, Associate, SpaceZero | Stephen Paterson, Technical Manager, Morrisons Construction
This session uses a campfire‑style discussion to explore how Renfrewshire Council, Ryder Architecture, Space Zero and Morrison Construction collaborated to deliver the new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus. Speakers will reflect on the project journey from briefing and procurement through design, delivery and operation, demonstrating how connected working shaped an innovative, inclusive and community‑centred learning environment. The panel will share insights into embedding learning pathways, designing adaptable interior and exterior spaces, and the value of early collaborative decision‑making in achieving programme and budget certainty. Attendees will gain real‑world learning from each organisation’s unique perspective.
Integrating Education, Leisure and Community in a Passivhaus Campus
Gordon Shewan, Regional Director, AtkinsRéalis | Vincent Spicer, Quality Improvement Education, City of Edinburgh Council | Paul Curtin, Associate Director, Architype
Currie Community High School demonstrates how learning environments can actively build pathways for education, skills and community wellbeing. Scotland’s first Passivhaus‑certified secondary school with a swimming pool, the project combines ultra‑low energy performance with inclusive learning spaces and extensive community facilities. Delivered through a collaborative LEIP partnership, the campus supports diverse learning styles, improves long‑term operational resilience and creates a shared civic hub for learners and residents alike. This session shares practical lessons on delivering sustainable, inclusive learning estates that support Scotland’s long‑term social, economic and environmental ambitions.
Orchards, Shadows, Steets and Forts (Developing Pathways of Place in the Scottish Learning Estate)
Alan Garland, Director, Stallan-Brand Architecture
Place‑led design across Scotland shows how architecture can strengthen connection, identity and wellbeing. By drawing from the character of local communities, this approach creates learning environments that reflect local culture and support confidence, belonging and resilience. This aligns with the Learning Places Scotland 2026 theme Building Pathways, demonstrating how thoughtful architecture can guide learners from early years into adulthood and from education into work and community life. Through imaginative and uplifting design rooted in context, this way of working helps create learning places that nurture aspiration, broaden opportunity, and support lifelong learning for all members of the community.
