Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow is under fire, potentially earning the title of Scotland’s ugliest street due to its declining state and visitor reviews.
This street is up for a Carbuncle Award, which highlights Scotland’s least attractive spots. The award is making a comeback after a ten-year break. It used to run from 2000 to 2015 but was paused due to complaints about its impact on struggling communities.
According to the Daily Record, Sauchiehall Street is on the shortlist for this award. It’s over a mile long and features popular stores like Waterstones and Primark, plus the Centre for Contemporary Arts. But many shops have closed down recently, including Marks and Spencer and BHS.
Looking at Tripadvisor, the reviews are all over the place. The street has a 3.5-star rating from 361 reviews. One visitor said, “The only two things worth a look at are the Waterstones bookshop and the Willow Tea Rooms. Sauchiehall Street is an absolute embarrassment to Glasgow.”
Another review was even harsher, calling it “grim, filthy, and depressing.” But not everyone feels that way. One person noted it gets busy at night, with some buildings looking okay.
The return of the Carbuncle Awards is due to the sad state of town centers and the loss of historic buildings in Scotland. Other contenders this year include Ayr and Granary Quay at Glasgow Harbour.
Urban Realm editor John Glenday mentioned that the awards are coming back “more potent than ever.” He pointed out that since 2015, there have been significant societal and political changes, making the need for these awards even more pressing.
Past winners of the Carbuncle Awards include places like Airdrie and Coatbridge. Cumbernauld is the only place to win it twice. For more details, check out the Urban Realm website.
