Scotland's Carbuncle 'Most Dismal Town' Award Scrapped After Port Glasgow Backlash

The 'Plook on the Plinth' Carbuncle Award, given to Scotland's most dismal town, has been officially retired following significant backlash from the latest winner, Port Glasgow. Social entrepreneur Kevin Green and local residents criticized the award as stigmatizing and likened it to 'poverty tourism,' arguing it failed to acknowledge the town's regeneration efforts and community spirit. Urban Realm, the architecture magazine behind the award, responded by replacing it with the more positive 'Heart On Your Sleeve' Award, with Port Glasgow as its first recipient. Editor John Glenday acknowledged the award's original intent as a 'shock and awe' tactic to highlight struggling towns but agreed the approach needed to evolve to better support communities. Port Glasgow, historically seen as struggling with derelict areas like Clune Park, is undergoing redevelopment and has a passionate community working towards revitalization. The change reflects a shift from criticism to encouragement, aiming to channel local passion into positive outcomes for towns facing economic and social challenges.