“People used to come here from all over Scotland and northern England…”
The city was branded a “disgrace” by one local(Image: Emily Macinnes/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Everyone in Scotland will have their own favourite cities across the country. Some love the historic charm of Edinburgh, while others prefer the spectacular Highlands surroundings of Inverness.
On the other hand, Scotland‘s cities all have their own detractors. One was even recently in the running to be named the ugliest destination in the country.
As reported by the Daily Record, Port Glasgow was recently crowned the “most dismal” town in Scotland as part of the controversial Carbuncle Awards. However, a Scottish city was also shortlisted for the infamous prize.
Among the other nominees for the Plook on the Plinth prize at the Carbuncle Awards was the city of Glasgow. In particular, Sauchiehall Street in the city centre was singled out.
Urban Realm, which is the magazine responsible for the Carbuncle Awards, shared the opinion of one Glasgow local. They harshly criticised Scotland’s biggest city, describing its city centre a “disgrace”.
The resident wrote: “I was born in Glasgow and apart from ten years in the London area I have lived and worked here all my life. The state of the city centre is a disgrace.
Glasgow’s city centre was blasted as “a disgrace” by one local(Image: Emily Macinnes/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“I know a lot of towns and cities have suffered since the pandemic but we are now at least three years on from that and Glasgow continues to decline.”
They added: “Glasgow had a renaissance back in the eighties and was always looked upon by the likes of Aberdeen, Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester as an example of a successful and aspirational city. People used to come here from all over Scotland and northern England to shop and enjoy what the city had to offer.
“I can’t imagine anyone thinking that would be a good idea now and I know footfall is way down post pandemic.”
The empty BHS building was criticised in particular(Image: Emily Macinnes/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Also singled out were buildings such as the old BHS store that has been “lying derelict for many years”. BHS, which was once among the most popular shops on Sauchiehall Street, closed its doors in 2016 when the company went out of business.
The Glasgow resident also offered a suggestion for how to improve the city centre, writing: “Cutting retail square footage and breathing new life into the city by creating thousands of new homes would be a multi-positive. More people living and working in the city would boost local businesses and public transport use (no need for a car).”
However, despite the negative criticism from one resident, Sauchiehall Street remains one of Glasgow’s most popular destinations for shopping. It is home to major chains such as Primark and Waterstones, as well as trendy stores including the Route One skateboard and streetwear shop.
As reported by the Daily Record, the Plook on the Plinth Award has been retired following the 2025 prize. Urban Realm confirmed the award would be scrapped following the backlash among residents and officials in Port Glasgow.
The full list of destinations that were shortlisted for this year’s Carbuncle Awards can be found on the Urban Realm website.
What are your thoughts on Glasgow’s Sauchiehall Street being named one of the “most dismal” destinations in Scotland? Let us know in the comments below!