"Plook on the Plinth" Carbuncle Award Scrapped, Replaced with "Heart On Your Sleeve" Award
The controversial "Plook on the Plinth" Carbuncle Award, known for naming the "most dismal town in Scotland," has been discontinued following strong criticism. The award, which recently targeted Port Glasgow, has been replaced by a more positive initiative called the "Heart On Your Sleeve" Award. Port Glasgow is the inaugural recipient of the new award, signaling a shift toward recognizing community spirit and untapped potential.
Backlash and Refusal
Two weeks ago, social entrepreneur Kevin Green publicly refused to accept the "Plook on the Plinth" trophy on behalf of Port Glasgow. He condemned the award as "poverty tourism" and argued that it failed to acknowledge the town's efforts to improve. Green felt the award was "punching down" rather than "punching up," misrepresenting the town's spirit.
A New Approach: The "Heart On Your Sleeve" Award
The magazine, Urban Realm, which previously ran the Carbuncle Awards, has responded to the criticism by creating the "Heart On Your Sleeve" Award. This new award aims to recognize and celebrate untapped potential and the strong sense of community present in Scottish towns. John Glenday, editor of Urban Realm, stated that the original award was intended as a "shock and awe" approach to galvanize struggling communities and bring attention to their problems.
Origins of the Carbuncle Awards
The Carbuncle Awards were inspired by a critical remark made by King Charles (then Prince of Wales) in the 1980s about modern building design. He famously 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 an annual award, featuring a "plook" (Scottish for pimple) trophy made of Play-Doh, to highlight what was perceived as the most dismal town in Scotland.
Port Glasgow's Perspective
Port Glasgow was selected as the eighth recipient of the "Plook on the Plinth" award. The town's derelict Clune Park estate, which is currently being demolished to make way for affordable homes, was a contributing factor in the decision. Kevin Green challenged the magazine's description of the town as an example of "squandered potential," emphasizing that potential simply remains potential until realized. He voiced concerns about the negative impact of labeling Port Glasgow as the "most dismal town in Scotland."
A Positive Turn
Despite the initial tension, John Glenday and Kevin Green were able to find common ground. Glenday agreed to retire the "Plook on the Plinth" award and embrace the more positive "Heart On Your Sleeve" initiative. The new trophy, created by Green, is an "equally tacky" arm with a red heart. Glenday acknowledged that the world has changed and that a collaborative approach is now essential. The "Heart On Your Sleeve" Award seeks to harness the passion and community spirit found in towns like Port Glasgow for positive change.
Community Efforts and Potential
Kevin Green's regeneration project, PG25, is based on John Wood Street, which features "Common Good" properties – buildings gifted to the Port Glasgow burgh for community benefit. These shops generate revenue for a Common Good fund, but high vacancy rates pose a challenge. A key goal is to reconnect the old town with a nearby retail park, revitalizing the historic core. The town also boasts 100 square miles of regional park and a river, presenting opportunities for further development.
Social Value and Community Needs
Kevin Green, whose day job involves corporate disposals, is working to connect businesses with communities in need. He highlights the importance of social value obligations in publicly-funded contracts. While Scotland's procurement laws are less stringent than those in England and Wales, Green believes there is still potential to improve. He emphasizes the need for communities to clearly articulate their needs to attract resources and support from businesses seeking to fulfill their social value commitments.
Local Perspectives
Volunteer Abie Williams, a 70-year resident of Port Glasgow, offers a different perspective on the "Plook on the Plinth" award. While acknowledging the negative impact of the retail park on older shopping areas, he believes the award has "got tongues wagging" and raised awareness. Williams commends the efforts of individuals like Kevin Green and emphasizes the need for greater support to overcome bureaucratic obstacles. He believes that Port Glasgow has "fantastic potential" and that the award, in its own way, has served as a catalyst for change.
Despite the initial plans to recycle the "Plook On The Plinth" trophy, it has been returned to Urban Realm magazine for its retirement.