It was slammed for its “run-down town centre and a distinct lack of investment”.
The seaside town was named among the “most dismal” in Scotland(Image: Allan Baxter / Getty Images)
All over Scotland, there are villages, towns, and cities that divide opinion. Some locals and visitors love them, while others have nothing but negative things to say.
Most of the country’s settlements have both their fans and their detractors. However, an architecture magazine recently named the worst destinations in Scotland.
As the Daily Record previously reported, the winner of Urban Realm’s ‘Plook on the Plinth’ prize was awarded to Port Glasgow in Inverclyde. The annual award is given to the “most dismal town in Scotland”.
Although Port Glasgow took home the Plook on the Plinth award, many other towns across Scotland were shortlisted for the infamous title. Among the other settlements nominated was Arbroath.
Arbroath is a former royal burgh and the biggest town in Angus, with a population of around 24,000. Nestled along the North Sea coast, it can be found around 16 miles from Dundee.
Urban Realm described Arbroath as “the saddest” town along Scotland’s east coast. The journal singled out its “run-down town centre and a distinct lack of investment”.
Urban Realm described the centre of Arbroath as “run-down”(Image: Feifei Cui-Paoluzzo / Getty Images)
Arbroath was also noted for its Abbeygate Centre, which was put up for sale in August. According to Urban Realm, there are plans to revamp the shopping centre—though the experts stated that “it remains to be seen” whether these will be completed.
Urban Realm wrote: “Of all the towns on the east coast, Arbroath is the saddest, with a run-down town centre and a distinct lack of investment (apart from reducing the dual carriageway to single carriageway).
“It remains to be seen whether the Dundee and Angus College plan to redevelop the Abbeygate Centre will amount to anything. Arbroath compares badly to Montrose, Stonehaven and even Peterhead and Fraserburgh.”
Arbroath may have been shortlisted as one of the ugliest towns in Scotland by Urban Realm, but it actually has a lot to offer. Whether you are looking for a day trip destination or somewhere to live, it is a great choice.
The seaside town is perhaps best known as the inspiration for one of Scotland’s most iconic dishes. The Arbroath smokie, which is a type of smoke-cured haddock, was named after Arbroath and is said to have been created in the nearby fishing village of Auchmithie.
Arbroath is also known for its picturesque old harbour that remains in action to this day. Visitors can soak in the harbour’s atmosphere while sitting back and watching the colourful boats arrive and depart.
Arbroath Harbour is a great place to sit and take in the views(Image: Dennis Barnes / Getty Images)
Additionally, there is a selection of charming shops and eateries dotted around the harbour. Some of the top restaurants include The Old Boatyard Restaurant, which serves up delicious and fresh seafood, and The Old Brewhouse—where customers can enjoy modern Scottish cuisine.
Meanwhile, in terms of attractions around Arbroath, highlights include Arbroath Abbey and the Signal Tower Museum. Arbroath Abbey dates back to 1178 and was founded by King William the Lion, while the Signal Tower Museum features multimedia exhibitions that tell the story of Arbroath’s fishing and maritime industries.
The full list of destinations that were shortlisted for the Plook on the Plinth Award can be found on the Urban Realm website.