Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow is under fire, potentially earning the title of Scotland’s ugliest eyesore as the Carbuncle Awards make a comeback.
The Carbuncle Awards, which used to highlight Scotland’s least attractive spots, are making a comeback. They were on hold for a while due to complaints about how they portrayed struggling communities. But now, they’re back, and Sauchiehall Street is in the running.
This street is over 1.5 miles long and features popular stores like Waterstones and Primark. Sadly, many shops have closed down recently, including Marks and Spencer and BHS. It’s a tough time for this iconic area.
Reviews on Tripadvisor are all over the place. The street has a 3.5-star rating, but many visitors aren’t impressed. One review said, “The only two things worth a look at are the Waterstones bookshop and the Willow Tea Rooms.” Ouch!
Another review was even harsher, calling it “grim, filthy, and depressing.” But not everyone feels that way. Some say it gets busy at night, and while some buildings look tired, others aren’t too bad.
The return of the Carbuncle Awards is a response to the decline of town centers and historic buildings in Scotland. Other locations like Ayr and Granary Quay are also in the mix this year.
Urban Realm editor John Glenday mentioned that the awards are more important now than ever. With empty high streets and the push for zero-carbon living, it’s time to shine a light on these issues. Previous winners include places like Airdrie and Coatbridge, with Cumbernauld winning twice.
For more details, check out the Urban Realm website.
