Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
The traditional “Plook on the Plinth” Carbuncle Award, bestowing the title of “the most dismal town in Scotland,” has been discontinued after facing backlash from its recent recipient. The refusal to accept the trophy on behalf of Port Glasgow by social entrepreneur Kevin Green labeled it as “poverty tourism,” failing to represent the town’s resilient spirit of “punching up, not punching down.” In light of the criticism, the magazine managing the award has opted to introduce a more constructive alternative that acknowledges latent potential and community vigor. Subsequently, the Plook on the Plinth accolade has been permanently retired, giving way to the “Heart On Your Sleeve” Award, with Port Glasgow being commended as its inaugural winner.
The Carbuncle Awards, originated by architectural magazine Urban Realm, were inspired by a disparaging comment issued by King Charles in the 1980s concerning contemporary building design. The establishment of an annual Carbuncle Award in Scotland for the most disheartening town emerged as a result of ensuing debates, featuring a trophy adorned with a plook – a Gaelic term for pimple – sculpted from Play-Doh. The modern editor, John Glenday, framed the award as a challenging tactic meant to rally communities in dire need of aid. Glenday declared, “The Carbuncle Awards are a way of bringing these places to attention and the problems that they face.”
Initially presented to seven towns across six separate occasions, the Plook on the Plinth has a storied history, beginning with Airdrie in 2000 and culminating with Port Glasgow in 2021. The event took an unexpected turn when Kevin Green, spearheading the PG25 regeneration initiative, contested the narrative of the ceremony, rejecting the portrayal of the town’s potential being squandered. As Green voiced his concerns over the selection process and characterization of Port Glasgow, dialogue ensued, leading to the retirement of the Plook trophy and the introduction of a more optimistic award that mirrors the community’s unity and aspirations
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.