Scotland’s ‘Most Dismal Town’ Award Abolished After Controversy

The long-standing award recognizing Scotland’s “most dismal” towns, known as the Plook on the Plinth Carbuncle trophy, has been discontinued following a backlash from its most recent recipient, Port Glasgow. The town, which received the dubious honor, declined to accept it, with representatives criticizing the award as a form of “poverty tourism.” Social entrepreneur Kevin Green, who represented Port Glasgow, argued that the award failed to acknowledge the town’s resilience and spirit.

The Plook on the Plinth was established by the architectural magazine Urban Realm and was inspired by a quote from Prince William in the 1980s. The royal had described a proposed extension of London’s National Gallery as a “monstrous carbuncle on the face of a much-loved and elegant friend.” This led to the creation of the Carbuncle trophy, which humorously depicted a carbuncle—a Scottish term for a pimple—crafted from Play-Doh.

Change in Direction Following Community Feedback

The Carbuncle trophy has now been replaced with a more positive initiative, the “Heart on Your Sleeve” award, with Port Glasgow named as its inaugural winner. The town, originally known as Newark in the 16th century, gained prominence for its role in trade and shipbuilding. It was home to Europe’s first commercial steamship, among others. However, from the 1960s to the 1990s, Port Glasgow faced economic challenges due to industrial downturns, resulting in job losses and a decline in population from a peak of approximately 23,000 to around 15,000, according to the Inverclyde Heritage Network.

Magazine Editor John Glenday noted that the Carbuncle award aimed to highlight smaller communities that “may fall down the back of the couch” and to address the issues they face. The award was set to be presented in Port Glasgow during a ceremony two weeks ago, but there was surprise when Kevin Green declined to accept it.

In an interview, Green expressed, “It’s not the most positive thing when someone comes and says you’re the most dismal town in Scotland.” He emphasized that although the community recognizes its potential, he disagrees with the description of it being “squandered.”

Building a Positive Future

After the ceremony, Green and Glenday continued their discussions, leading to the creation of the new award. During a subsequent meeting, Glenday presented Green with an “equally tacky” trophy—a red heart atop an elbow-shaped base. Green reflected on this experience, stating that Port Glasgow is “not deaf” to criticism and recognizes its evolution over the years.

“What struck us here is the community aspect,” he said. “It’s a working-class community, and people are very close-knit and passionate about the town and improving things.” He believes the new award can channel this passion into a force for good.

The shift from the Carbuncle trophy to the Heart on Your Sleeve award demonstrates a significant change in how communities like Port Glasgow wish to be represented. Instead of being labeled as dismal, they aim to celebrate their strengths and potential for growth.