A famous Glasgow street that has been slammed by visitors as an “absolute embarrassment” may soon be named Scotland’s ugliest eyesore.
The Carbuncle Awards were previously presented by magazine Urban Realm to Scotland’s least-attractive buildings and areas between 2000 and 2015. The awards were discontinued following complaints that they “demonised” struggling working-class communities.
However, the controversial awards are poised to make a comeback. Among the destinations that have reportedly been shortlisted this year is Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow.
One of the main shopping streets in Scotland’s largest city, Sauchiehall Street stretches more than 1.5 miles in length. It is home to well-known chains such as Waterstones, TK Maxx, and Primark, as well as landmarks including the Centre for Contemporary Arts.
However, many brands have closed their stores on the iconic street in recent years. Marks and Spencer, Holland & Barrett, and BHS are among the shops that have shut their doors.
Looking at Sauchiehall Street on Tripadvisor, it has received mixed reviews from recent visitors. It currently has an average rating of 3.5 out of five based on 361 reviews.
One Tripadvisor review wrote: “The only two things worth a look at is the Waterstones bookshop and the Willow Tea Rooms. Sauchiehall Street is an absolute embarrassment to Glasgow.”
A second echoed: “Grim, filthy and depressing. Glasgow’s once iconic town centre has well and truly won first place in the race to the bottom.”
On the other hand, a slightly more positive review reads: “Can get very busy on nights. Some buildings look tired, others not so bad.”
Organisers say that the deteriorating state of town centres and loss of historic buildings across Scotland has prompted the return of the Carbuncle Awards. Other spots said to be in the running this year include Ayr and Granary Quay at Glasgow Harbour.
According to Urban Realm editor John Glenday, the Carbuncles will return “more potent than ever”. He commented: “The Carbuncle Awards have been on hiatus since 2015, since which lasting societal and political change has taken place — driven by health concerns, economic interests and technological development.
“In such an environment the need for the awards has only increased as we grapple with empty high streets, offices and the zero-carbon agenda. The awards were never an endpoint but a starting point and will return more potent than ever.”
Previous winners of the Carbuncle Awards include Airdrie, Coatbridge, and New Cumnock. Cumbernauld is the only destination to have received the prize twice.
More information can be found on the Urban Realm website.
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